“CLEANER and greener” is the aim as six new refuse collection vehicles take to the roads in Braintree.

The district council has leased six Dennis Eagle vehicles from Riverside Truck Rental. The new trucks have fuel efficient engines, electric bin lifts and are more environmentally friend. Riverside Truck Rental will maintain the vehicles throughout the seven year contract.

District councillor Robert Mitchell, deputy cabinet member for environment, said: “Our refuse collection vehicles are out on the roads eight hours a day, five days a week, in all weathers and road conditions so our continued investment is necessary to ensure this service, which every home in the district relies on, remains reliable and efficient to run.

“These vehicles are also significantly quieter in operation, gently charging the electric lifting batteries at idle speed, rather than requiring noisy hydraulic pumps for each bin lift, resulting in a more peaceful neighbourhood on bin day.”