City Council wins prestigious national award for its fleet operations

21 November 2019

Aberdeen City Council has lifted the Local Authority Fleet Operator of the Year title at the annual Transport News Scottish Rewards presentation ceremony.

Transport News acknowledged the size and expertise of Aberdeen City Council’s fleet services which operates from Kittybrewster Depot, employs 45 staff and carries out 13,500 scheduled MOTs, repairs and services to its own fleet of 1,527 vehicles every year.

In its latest innovation, the City Council is fitting the Michelin tyre pressure management system across 200 new Renault light commercial vehicles as part of a project to ensure its fleet runs on tyres inflated to optimum pressures, all leading to increased safety and efficiency.

Aberdeen City Council chief operating officer for operations Rob Polkinghorne said: “It is a fantastic accolade that we have won this award and it is a testament to the hard work carried out by all of our fleet services staff.”

The City Council’s fleet manager Willie Whyte and technician Lewis Maclean were presented with the accolade at the prestigious awards ceremony which attracted 600 road haulage industry guests. Mr Whyte also won the same award 13 years ago as fleet manager of Angus Council.

Mr Whyte said: “The journey towards this achievement has taken more than three years.

“The investment and support of Aberdeen City Council has enabled fleet services to provide an excellent workshop environment and facility which has included increased technical training for workshop staff, investment in fleet vehicles, and investment in technology to improving efficiencies. This award is for all the fleet team and reflects the spirit that has changed and grown during the journey, and this a very proud moment for everyone.”

The popular breakfast celebration for Transport News Scottish Rewards, which is now in its 26th year, was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow.

PIX CAPTIONS:

1) Fleet service manager William Whyte and mechanic Lewis Maclean are joined by Chief Operating Officer of Operations Rob Pilkinghorne and fleet service colleagues in celebrating the win

2) Fleet service manager William Whyte and mechanic Lewis Maclean with the trophy at the awards ceremony