East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has been recognised for the way it looks after and maintains its fleet of over 530 vehicles.
The ambulance service has been awarded the Van Excellence accreditation- a national industry led initiative that aims to enhance standards within the transport sector.
Steve Farnsworth, Head of Fleet Services at EMAS, said:
“Our vehicles have to be serviced and maintained to the highest possible standard because of the amount of use they get and the important role they play in serving the community.
Having this certification shows that we have demonstrated the high quality operational standards needed to join the excellence group and all the staff within our workshops have worked very hard to achieve this.
We’re very proud of the vehicles we use and we’re always looking to improve the service we provide and to maintain our own high standards.
It has been a team effort to gain this award and we’re delighted that we have been recognised.”
EMAS vehicles endured a rigorous audit process to be successfully awarded with the accreditation from the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
Assessments were carried out on the fleet to ensure the highest standards were being maintained. These included inspections, scrutiny of safety equipment, such as speed limiters that ensure a safe working environment and an analysis of the vehicles registration and maintenance cycle documents.
Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and Logistics Buyers at FTA said:
We all recognise the importance of our ambulance services and rely upon them in life and death situations.
We all expect the highest standards of expertise and that extends to the operation of their vehicle fleet, and that is why FTA is delighted to congratulate East Midlands Ambulance Service for achieving Van Excellence standards for the third consecutive year.”
