Electric Lanes goes into eco drive to boost sustainability

Drainage and wastewater service specialist Lanes Group plc is driving forward its sustainability strategy with investment in electric, hybrid, and low emission vehicles – and new technology to cut fuel consumption.

Two new Mini Electrics have been bought for use by operational managers to support front line teams and visit clients – increasing the company’s all-electric car fleet to five vehicles, with more on the way.

Lanes has also procured 36 hybrid vehicles for use by colleagues, including sales managers and operational managers.

Sporting Lanes’ eye-catching bright pink livery, the new Mini Electrics are being used by Operations Manager John Murray in Glasgow and Depot Manager Larry Begley in Edinburgh.

Lanes Managing Director Kevin Moon said: “The electric cars are a visible demonstration of our commitment to supporting sustainable working practices that benefit Lanes and the wider community.

“We’re closely monitoring their positive impact on our operations with a view to investing in more of the vehicles.

“We’re also working with manufacturers to actively research options to introduce electric specialist drainage vehicles, though their weight, complexity and operational requirements present specific challenges.

“Lanes aims to be at the forefront of moves towards greener transportation in the drainage and wastewater service industries so we can fully support our clients’ sustainability strategies.”

Fast-chargers have been installed at the Glasgow and Edinburgh depots to support the use of the electric cars, supplied by dealer Douglas Park, and others as they come on stream. This adds to the fast chargers installed in Manchester, at Lanes’ operational headquarters.

The company’s fleet of highly fuel-efficient hybrid cars, which have both petrol engines and electric motors to cut carbon emissions and fuel use, supporting the government’s aim for the UK to be net carbon zero by 2050.

Lanes is also investing heavily in new low-carbon vans and HGVs. Out of 1,299 vehicles Lanes operates, 801 of them – 62% – are already Euro 6 compliant, the highest current standard.

Lanes is also fitting rev limiters to all vehicles it operates.

Working practices are also being changed for operational vehicles, including CCTV survey vans, drainage excavation vehicles, and jet vac tankers – a move made all the more urgent by rising fuel prices.

Lanes Regional Manager Steven Fairbairn said: “Where we can, we now securely park vehicles like jet vac tankers at worksites overnight, with teams travelling to and from the site in smaller vehicles.

“We’re also investing in vans with extra seating so only one vehicle needs to attend a site rather than two or more. These individual measures can quickly add up to making a big difference in terms of cutting emissions and fuel use.”

Over the last 12 months, Lanes has also introduced a new vehicle tracking system, Samsara, which is giving the business new ways to embed safe driving behaviours and reduce vehicle costs.

Real time data generated by the system is being used by operational managers to educate teams about the wastefulness of practices like engine idling, and to coach them about more economical ways to drive.

Stevie Fairbairn said: “Our number one priority is road safety. It so happens that safe behaviours dovetail well with sustainable driving, through controlled speed, and measured acceleration and braking.

“There are also significant advantages in terms of reducing vehicle maintenance costs and extending vehicle life. Our teams are responding well to the challenge. Everyone is aware of the shock of rising fuel costs.

“Knowing we are also boosting road safety and helping protect the planet only adds to our determination to get this right.”