Utilities company opts for Ford Transits
American vehicle manufacturer Ford has been selected to provide 134 Transit-based emergency response vehicles for Northern Gas Networks (NGN).
Crewed by two engineers the vehicles are used as part of the emergency response and repair serivce which covers NGN’s 23,000 mile network of gas pipes in the north of England.
The large Transit order was placed by United Utilities Operations Ltd, which provides asset management and associated services for NGN. The emergency response vehicles are based on Ford Transit 350 medium-wheelbase, high-roof models, powered by 2.4-litre 140PS diesel engines driving the rear wheels. Rear-wheel drive is preferred by United Utilities for onboard power conversions, which NGN requires primarily to enable road-drilling.
“In this instance, Transit technology provides the best platform for our needs,” said Gary Banister, United Utilities’ head of transport services.
For clear identification, the Transits are finished in white with red stripes and liveried with ‘Northern Gas Networks working with United Utilities’. They are being supplied by Ford complete with vinyl seating, Thatcham-approved alarms, 70mph speed limiters and heavy-duty batteries. The vans will be seen in the NGN coverage area of the North East, Yorkshire and Northern Cumbria.
Each of the 134 Ford Transits have been purchased outright and they are expected to average 20,000 miles a year, with replacement scheduled at around four years.
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