Orbis Protect has taken delivery of the first 33 vehicles in a 210-vehicle fleet deal with Holman.

The specialist security company plans to switch its entire fleet of 210 vehicles to lower emission alternatives by early next year.

The first tranche of 33 new vehicles are Ford Transits and are all fitted with a Lightfoot telematics system, which monitors and encourages eco-friendly driving.

Orbis Protect is also trialling electric vehicles in the fleet on selected models where payloads and routes allow.

The three-year/90,000-mile finance lease agreement is a solus Ford supply contract which will see Orbis taking advantage of the full suite of Holman solutions, including fleet management, inventory management, electric vehicle consultancy and de-fleet services.

Rory Mackinnon, sales director at Holman, said: “We’re pleased to be helping Orbis Protect make significant changes to its fleet.

“Our in-house consultancy services give businesses confidence to implement wholesale changes to their business, knowing that the changes will provide significant operational and environmental savings.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the results of the EV trails, too, as this will obviously play a huge part in fleet development in coming years.”

As well as switching to lower emission models, Orbis is using driver education to help make further savings, as well as ensuring safe and responsible driving.

Since trialling Lightfoot, Orbis Protect says it has seen significant benefits, including an 18.2% average fuel saving per vehicle thanks to 97% of its drivers achieving ‘elite’ status in eco-driving.

As a result, the company estimates that over a three-year period it will save approximately 1,232 tonnes of CO2.

Further benefits from the trial include a 100% reduction in dangerous driving incidents.

Paul Stubbs, operations director at Orbis Protect, said: “We are delighted to take delivery of our initial 33 vehicles.

“These new low-emissions vehicles, all fitted with innovative Lightfoot systems, support our commitment to environmental responsibility and ensure that our drivers are empowered and educated to drive in a safe and more eco-friendly manner.”