PAPER D

FIRE & PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE – 13 JANUARY 2003

DOG FOULING CLEANSING VEHICLE

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND INFORMATION

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

The Chairman of Fire & Public Safety Select Committee requested information and costs for the provision of a dedicated dog fouling cleansing vehicle.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

Consider whether or not to recommend the purchase/hire of a specialised cleaning vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Trafalgar Cleansing Equipment Ltd are specialists in providing this type of vehicle and have a number in operation throughout the Country. The vehicle is known as FIDO (faeces intake disposal operation) and is an all terrain four wheel drive, street legal vehicle which has a top speed of approximately 18 mph. The specification of the vehicle allows easy manoeuvrability over grassed and paved areas making it suitable for use in the Islands recreational areas and promenades.

Each vehicle is fitted with a collection unit which removes dog faeces from grass or hard surfaces without causing damage. Once the faeces are collected they are mixed with disinfectant and water which turns the waste into slurry allowing for easy disposal. A disinfectant can also be sprayed on the surface once the faeces have been removed.

A promotional leaflet has been attached for further information.

The unit could be provided by either the dog warden or street cleaning contractor. It would seem most appropriate that the unit be provided by the street cleansing contractor and managed by the Contracts department as an ‘add on’ part of the street cleansing contract for it’s remaining duration. An appropriate cleansing schedule should be devised in consultation with the Dog Warden Service.

The vehicle is available on short term hire basis. The hire of the vehicle for a number of months during the summer months could provide an opportunity to assess the success of it before committing to a long term contract.

The hire would be directly from the supplier and a driver operator would have to be provided. Trafalgar Cleansing Equipment Ltd would be happy to provide a demonstration of the vehicle on the Island.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

A reduction in fouling levels is a performance indicator.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

Contact was made with Clacton–on–Sea District Council who currently have one of these vehicles in operation. The Lead Officer there for this area was very complimentary about the vehicle. He described it as being very efficient and a hit with the general public. He would have no hesitation in recommending its use and offered an invitation to officers and members to visit and see their vehicle in operation.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

There are number of ways to provide the dog fouling cleansing vehicle and the costs are outlined below.

1. Provided by contractor

Island Waste estimated cost £30,000 per annum for 3 years

(This depends on schedules weekend working etc.)

2. Monthly Hire

Vehicle £1000 per month

Driver operator (Island Waste) £ 2600 per month

Running costs £400 per month

APPENDICES ATTACHED

Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment Ltd’s promotional literature.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

None

Contact Point: Barrie Monks, Environmental Health Manager

F 823151 and e-mail [email protected]

JOHN PULSFORD

Strategic Director of Finance and Information