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Two new specialist vehicles approved by Wirral Council are set to clear roadside drainage gullies and reduce flooding across the area.
Close to £500,000 has been invested in the new vehicles, following mounting maintenance challenges with the council's current old waste clearing vehicles, which have become costly to repair, according to Birkenhead News.
Shortly, the new vehicles will begin working locally. They are expected to help minimise blockages caused by debris build-up around gully grids, which can lead to surface water pooling during heavy rainfall.
Wirral Council has been looking to replace the vehicles for a while. Back in 2018, they spotted the need for new cleaners as services went back in-house. At this time, the gully cleaner was already well-used and close to the end of its lifespan.
As we stated, the repairs became more frequent and expensive because specialist contractors had to take the vehicles for extended periods. To fill the void, the council had to hire replacements, which increased highway maintenance budgets and mounting costs.
Following a detailed review of highway maintenance operations, council officers worked to identify suitable replacements. A business case for two new vehicles was approved by the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee.
Whale Tankers won the contract after a lengthy proccess. Vehicles were custom-built to the council's specifications over a year, with progress monitored by Highway Management officers.
Councillor Max Booth, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said in a statement: "It is important that our essential services have the equipment and support they need to continue maintaining Wirral's highway drainage network efficiently and effectively.
"Replacing ageing vehicles with high-specification alternatives is a no-brainer in the long-term as the new vehicles will bring improved reliability, reduce costs and support safer working conditions for our staff.
Mr Booth also added that the cleaners will improve the services residents expect and efficiently clean the gullies "more effectively".
