CASE STUDIES

Background

Perthshire and Kinross-shire have been part of a joint County Council since 1929 and have evolved into the current Perth and Kinross Council in 1996, serving their county’s 150,960 residents as one of the 32 councils of Scotland. They operate across a region of varied terrain, as they are surrounded by various natural landscapes ranging from the Rannoch Forest to the River Tay, which is Scotland’s longest river.

With a fleet serving such a diverse geographical area, the council’s Fleet Services must remain agile and forward-thinking in its procurement and management strategies.

Challenge

Currently, the council operates a fleet of 500 vehicles. This includes 80–90 HGVs, 140 cars, and several 3.5-tonne tippers, panel vans, and other light commercial vehicles. In addition, they manage between 1200–1400 pieces of plant and grounds care equipment, such as salt spreaders, mowers, hedge cutters, and excavators.

While the council has made strides toward fleet electrification, only 17 of its current vehicles are electric – primarily MG and KIA cars.  In response to this, they also have approximately 30 hybrid vehicles from Hyundai and Toyota.

Electrification, at present, is seen as a complex challenge due to factors including infrastructure limitations, a lack of depot-based charging facilities, and the vast operational range required of the vehicles. The council previously tried utilising Electric Vans, but their limited range rendered them unfit for operational needs, with one even needing to be towed due to battery depletion en route from Glasgow, Scotland.

Despite these challenges, the council plans to phase in an additional 30 electric vehicles over the next three years, aligning with national decarbonisation and electrification targets set in line with the legislations set for 2030–2035.

Scotland’s Opportunity & Benefits 

Perth and Kinross Council became a TPPL member in 2021. The council has procured various vehicle types and services via TPPL frameworks, including:

• Welfare Buses
• A mixture of cars and light commercial vehicles
• Vehicle contract hire projects
• Medium, Heavy Goods and specialist vehicles
• Grounds care equipment and plant machinery

By accessing TPPL Frameworks, the council has been able to manage procurement efficiently and ensure access to stock with short lead times, even during periods of market volatility. TPPL’s support included managing mini competitions and direct awards – enabling the council to simplify procurement, remain compliant, and justify bespoke criteria for each competition.

Allison Brown, the council’s Assistant Fleet Manager noted that TPPL displayed great flexibility, responsiveness, and a hands-on approach.

Allison, who has been with the council since 2009, brings a wealth of experience to the Assistant Fleet Manager role she has held since 2018. Her background includes roles in fleet reception, finance, and performance scheduling. This multifaceted experience gives her a deep understanding of the end-to-end operational requirements of managing a local authority fleet.

When asked on what she perceives as the benefits of a TPPL membership, she commented, “TPPL do all the work for you. You send them a spec; they return with everything ready for review. Their knowledge and efficiency make the process simple.”

Conclusion   Scotland

TPPL’s support has empowered Perth and Kinross Council to respond swiftly to fleet requirements while maintaining compliance and ensuring value for money. The ability to tailor procurement routes and engage with TPPL’s experienced team has proven particularly beneficial as the council navigates the complex transition toward a greener fleet.

By streamlining procurement processes and supporting the council’s goals for decarbonisation, TPPL plays a vital role in helping deliver reliable services to residents across Perth and Kinross.

For more information on the range of TPPL procurement solutions, please contact a member of the team at enquiries@tppl.co.uk or click here.