REFUSE collection across the Hambleton district has taken on a shiny new look – with the introduction of a new fleet of wagons.

The district council is investing £2.3m in the service over the next five years and ten new vehicles have now been acquired.

They replace old wagons which had reached the end of their useful life - maintenance costs were escalating and breakdowns were seeing them miss more and more time on the road.

The new vehicles are all fitted with efficiency driving aids which can save up to eight per cent of fuel and vehicle tracking to help check where bins have been missed and prevent disputes.

A system of CCTV cameras also ensures the safety of the crew and an on-board weighing cell will make sure the trucks are never overloaded.

“These new trucks will improve the efficiency of our service for our householders and businesses,” said Councillor Mark Robson, Hambleton’s portfolio holder for housing and planning.

“They include all the latest technology to keep both the service and our staff safe. The old wagons were experiencing a lot of down time because of breakdowns, which isn’t good for staff or customers.”