There were 31 crashes involving vehicles in Western Plains Regional Council’s fleet in 2015/16.
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The figure was five more than the average for previous financial years, and the highest number of incidents since 2012/13.
In total there was $144,100 worth of damage during the 12 months.
However, as council only pays the excess when an insurance claim is lodged, manager fleet management services Steven Colliver said the actual cost to council was $27,165.
In a report to council Mr Colliver said: “It should be noted that $88,833 of the ($144,100) cost was attributed to two vehicles being written off, plant number 417 was involved in a fire and plant number 127 being hit by a third party”.
The cost of damage to council’s fleet in 2014/15 was significantly lower at $34,677.
There were nine claims made against council’ in the last financial year, which was .2 less than the average for the previous years.
“Fleet Management Services has established an indicator system that highlights drivers who have been involved in more than three ‘avoidable’ crashes during a two year period. No drivers have been involved in three or more avoidable crashes during the past year period,” Mr Colliver said.
There were significant milestones achieved during the year, the fleet manager said.
“A major review of oils and lubrication was undertaken by the workshop with a view to minimise handling and contamination. The results of this review has seen the introduction of bulk oil storage for all classes of oil and a new filtration system fitted to reduce contamination,” he said.
Fleet Management Service has also continued to use the internet to sell vehicles, he said.
“This has resulted in the sale of eight vehicles via the internet and has provided council with an additional $20,499 over and above trade-in offers and auction estimates.”
Overall, the operation of the plant for 2016/16 was good, Mr Colliver said with all key performance indicators (KPI) as set out in the delivery plan achieved.
“The utilisation of the heavy plat fleet was 101 per cent against a KPI target of 85 per cent, while the special plant hire items achieved a 65 per cent against the KPI target of 55 per cent,” he said.
The report was presented at the August council meeting.