NHS Supply Chain is taking delivery of 120 new vehicles from DAF Trucks as part of its fleet renewal programme.

The new equipment is being introduced over the next few months across NHS Supply Chain’s seven UK locations.The trucks comprise 49 DAF LF 220 FA 14-tonne rigids, 50 DAF CF 250 FA 18-tonners, 16 DAF CF 400 FA drawbar units and five DAF CF 460 FTG 6x2 tractors. 19 new trailers have also been delivered by Gray & Adams including three double-decks.

Gordon Wall, Head of Supplier operations at the NHSBSA said, "This significant investment provides the NHS with a fleet of modern delivery vehicles with numerous environmental, safety and logistical benefits. These will have a considerable impact on continuing efforts to improve customer support and service efficiency".

CEO at NHS Supply Chain, Tim Slater, said, “NHS Supply Chain is an essential part of everyday life for the NHS, providing over 300,000 products to 1000 different customers. Our investment in the new vehicle fleet reinforces our commitment to deliver a great service with vastly increased safety and environmental credentials.”

All chassis are being supplied through DAF dealer Ford & Slater in Leicester. The vehicles will all enter service on a DAF MultiSupport Compliance contract, covering vehicle servicing, tacho-calibration, MOT inspection / certification and legal inspections. DHL will manage the day-to-day operation of the fleet through its Central Maintenance Control facility in Manchester.

Additional safety equipment includes a ‘look down’ birds-eye view camera system (360° camera), near side detection system for vulnerable road-users, left turn audible warning system, four-camera monitoring system and front / rear proximity warning systems.