Econ hat trick captures the capital

24/01/2022 | DOMINIC BROWNE

Econ Engineering will be supplying gritters to all three contractors awarded framework agreements to keep London’s roads ice and snow free.

For the next seven years, 33 Econ vehicles will cover the capital, ready to mobilise as soon as temperatures plummet.

Transport for London (TfL) first tendered the three new area contracts two years ago, with the city divided into the central area, which was won by Ringway, the north area, which went to Tarmac and Kier joint venture and the south, which was secured by FM Conway.

The combined value of all three contracts is estimated to be worth £1.4bn.

This set-up replaced the previous London Highways Alliance Contract (LoHAC) seven-year agreement. The original LoHAC was split into four areas with the north region into North-East and North-West.

Over the last 12 months, the Econ team entered negotiations with all three contracting companies.

Ringway purchased 11 new gritters, with all of the vehicles signed up on an eight-year repair and maintenance contract.

The Tarmac/Kier JV has hired 13 gritters through Econ’s own Contract Hire Fleet Services.

All of these gritters will be run on HVO (hydrogen and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel from day one to reduce their carbon footprint.

'HVO fuel is made from sustainable raw materials, can be used in any diesel engine and is 90% cleaner than using pure red or white diesel,' Econ said.

FM Conway hired nine gritters and, following a successful trial, had the vehicles fitted with a tracking and navigation system.

All vehicles are fitted to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) 360 degree visibility and a five-camera safety system, making them compliant with TfL’s safety permit guidance.

Jonathan Lupton from Econ Engineering said: 'We are delighted to have been chosen by all three TfL contractors as their winter maintenance vehicle partner of choice.

'This is a significant contract award for us and demonstrates our standing within the highways and transports sector.

'For more than 50 years, Econ has become an industry leader in the manufacturing of gritters, and our vehicles are used by councils, highways agencies, and road contractors the length and breadth of the UK.

'In addition to selling gritters, we also have an extensive hire fleet, and two of the three TfL framework contractors have chosen to go down this route.'

TfL said: 'For the next seven years the three contractors will be ensuring our roads are kept open whatever the weather conditions. And for their part, they have chosen Econ Engineering to supply them with the necessary vehicles to ensure they fulfil their contractual obligations.'

Econ has a manufacturing base in Ripon, North Yorkshire and has recently opened two engineering hubs in Alloa, Scotland, and the Welsh capital of Cardiff.

It produces 85% of the winter maintenance vehicles seen on the UK’s roads.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Prestige Gardener x2

£27,711.00 - £30,559.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
The post holder will be part of a Street Scene Team to deliver a high quality citizen focused Street Scene service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Street Scene Supervisor

£34,314 - £37,035, Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Street Scene Supervisor working from our Depot at Castleford Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Multi Skilled Operative x 3

Grade 3 - Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking enthusiastic and capable colleagues to join our Highway Operations team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Head of Service Traffic and Projects

£76,665 to £79,812
We are seeking a dynamic and highly qualified individual to lead our Traffic, Projects and Design & Construction division. Leyton, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Waltham Forest

Highways Project Engineer

£30,559 to £41,511
Would you like to be part of our friendly, welcoming Highways team, proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Boroughbridge, York
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Shovel Driver Plant Operative - Chelmsford

Up to £28033.0000 per annum + 6% flat rate allowance
Shovel Driver Plant Operative - Chelmsford Waste Transfer StationPermanent, Full Time£28,033 + 6% flat rate allowance (£1,681.98 per annum)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

UGO bus Coordinator

£26357.0000 - £31008.0000 per annum + pension
UGO bus CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£26,357 to £31,008 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Waste Management Officer

SO1 (scp 26-29) £36,124 to £38,626 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of waste services in the Ribble Valley. Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recruiter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

UGO bus Coordinator

£26357.00 - £31008.00 per annum + pension
UGO bus CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£26,357 to £31,008 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Project Engineer

£30,559 - £41,511 per annum
Would you like to be part of our friendly, welcoming, Area 3 Highways team who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
This role is fundamental to the success of the Highways Service. Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Senior Civil Engineer - Major Projects x 4

£45,894.00 - £54,952.00
We are looking for experienced engineers to help us progress a number of key projects and programmes Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Highways Contract Engineer

£46,731 - £49,764
The team helps provide a safe road network that operates efficiently and effectively.  Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner

£46,731 - £49,764 (pro-rata)
We are looking for an experienced professional to join us on a six-month temporary contact as a Principal Transport Planner. Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Highways Maintenance Operative Broughton, Brigg
Recruiter: Amey

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
The team includes approximately 60 directly employed HCC people Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Principal Construction Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Principal Construction Manager Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Quality Technician

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Quality Technician Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)

£42679.0000 - £50211.0000 per annum
Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)Permanent, Full Time£43,960 to £51,718 per annum*Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Project Manager (Major Projects)

£44,711 - £47,754
Are you an experienced project professional or engineer with looking to take the next step in your career? Halifax, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW