Page 12 - CTB N9 - 2015-01

FLEET PROFILE
Redbridge Justifies 100% Michelin Policy with Tyre Savings
on a pence per mile basis. We can prove that the up-front purchase of the Michelin tyres pays for itself.”
Cross points out the close level of co-operation that he enjoys with Michelin, who liaise closely with him to ensure that any new technology that might help improve fleet costs even further are taken on board. For example, the company recently tested the X- Multiway 3D regional tyre, which
fleet in a compliant way. There are no short cuts – compliance is everything.”
The depot has also increasingly become a commercial workshop, with 40% of turnover being non- Redbridge work. All technicians are irtec certified, the workshop is an Authorised Test facility and a Ford Authorised Repairer. The business has expanded into vehicle hire and driver training services. “All this helps reduce the
When Eddie Cross assumed responsibility for Transport Engineering Services at the London Borough of Redbridge in 2003 the Borough had no set policy on tyres. Today, however, Redbridge’s 300 strong fleet, consisting mainly of 16-seat Sprinter vans, passenger coaches and refuse vehicles, is shod entirely on Michelin tyres, purchased through the GPS framework. Other than ordering via ATS they have no involvement
Borough’s tyre assets.
In the first instance, the Redbridge fleet is somewhat unusual (although not unusual in an urban environment) in that the Borough’s refuse vehicles do not visit landfill sites. This means there is relatively little tyre damage, which assures that the fleet generally gets a full life out of the tyres, making it easier to justify purchasing a premium brand.
All tyres are regrooved and
Cross says achieved a 3% reduction in fuel consumption and doubled tyre life compared with off-road fitments.
Further analysis and comparison is also carried out against competitive premium brands thanks to the occasional vehicle bought by the Borough that is fitted with other brands. “We use these to carry out comparative tests,” says Cross. “The more information we have to back up
burden on the council. At a time when local government is under pressure to make cuts, we are able to contribute,” says Cross.
“Our tyre policy is also aimed at contributing by conserving the Borough’s resources,” he concludes. “The key point is that we have stuck to a brand and receive good support from the manufacturer, who advises us on policy. We follow the manufacturer’s advice, knowing
In an interview carried out at Redbridge’s main depot in Ley Street in Ilford, Eddie Cross outlined the thinking behind the decision to focus on an exclusive brand tyre fitment policy.
The Borough of Redbridge purchases its tyres on a government contract so Cross has to justify on an ongoing basis why government buyers should pay more for premium branded tyres. He does this by collecting as much information on the tyres as he possibly can and by implementing a strategy designed to make sure maximum life is obtained from the
retreaded at Michelin’s Remix facility. Quarterly audits are carried out by Michelin fleet technicians. Regular tyre pressure checks are carried out by the workshop’s own technicians, all of which take the Michelin “Licensed to Fit” course.
“Being on top of tyre pressures is vital, “says Cross. “We know that our tyre pressures are right to within 5%. We also use nitrogen inflation, which has also helped us to achieve an improvement in fuel economy. Overall, our data sheets show the decision to follow a 100% Michelin policy is working
our decision the better.
“We also place considerable emphasis on compliance and on training staff. We do everything possible to show the Traffic Commissioners that we run the
that the management of our tyres is good and we are doing everything possible to manage our tyre assets efficiently.”
12 Commercial Tyre Business