West Sussex County Council to buy 12 new fire‑fighting appliances for £4.8m.

West Sussex County Council approved £4.8m from its fleet capital budget to replace 12 older pumping appliances in its 48-vehicle fire fleet, the council reported on February 20.

West Sussex County Council has approved £4.8m from its fleet capital budget to buy 12 new pumping appliances, the council announced on February 20. The funding was approved by Duncan Crow, cabinet member for community support, fire & rescue. The purchases will replace 12 of the oldest vehicles in the authority's 48-strong fire fleet, including one vehicle that is 22 years old and two that are 18 years old. A report from Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball said the replacements would bring updated technology and other operational benefits. Key details: - £4.8m approved and to be taken from the fleet capital budget. - Approval recorded on February 20 by Duncan Crow, cabinet member for community support, fire & rescue. - Twelve pumping appliances will replace 12 of the oldest vehicles in a 48-vehicle fleet; one is 22 years old and two are 18 years old. - The chief fire officer's report lists expected benefits: improved vehicle and firefighting technology, a clean-cab concept to reduce firefighters' exposure to contaminants, compliance with higher Euro 6 emissions standards, reduced maintenance needs, and lower risk of engine failures while supporting Net Carbon Neutral 2030 goals. - The report also states new vehicles will meet current standards, have lower fuel consumption and fewer defect repairs, and include manufacturer warranties that contribute to cost efficiencies but are not, by themselves, cost savings. Summary: The council says the new appliances are intended to lower maintenance burdens, reduce operational risk from older vehicles, and align the fleet with emissions and safety standards. Undetermined at this time.