WMAS success at GREENFLEET Awards

Jordan Eggington – Thursday 2nd December 2021 – 1:30pm.

“As wonderful as it is to be recognised, we know there is much more we can do to lead our sector in implementing a zero-emissions fleet.”

The importance of greener alternatives and looking after the planet we call home has been brought into sharp focus as of late, particularly with COP26 gracing the UK last month. Now, the Trust has proven itself as a trailblazer for sustainability with a pioneering vehicle fleet at this year’s GREENFLEET Awards. The event at the British Motor Museum in Warwick last night (Wednesday 1st December) saw WMAS shortlisted in two categories: ‘Public Sector Fleet of the Year’ and ‘Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year’, one of which the Trust was incredibly grateful to win.

The evening, which was also made up of categories such as ‘Electrical Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year’ and ‘GREENFLEET Vehicle of the Year’ showcased innovation by both the fleets themselves, as well as those that supply them. Not to mention individual recognition too, with Fleet Manager awards, together with the coveted EV and AFV Champions.

The ‘Public Sector Commercial Fleet of the Year’ is a new category for public sector organisations with a fleet of more than 300 commercial vehicles that demonstrates a reduction in CO2 and other pollutants through fuel efficiency programmes, green fleet management and driver awareness training. The Trust was up against Oxford City Council and Hull City Council in this category and gratefully received the prize. GREENFLEET noted the additional challenges the ambulance service faces when it comes to providing a strong fleet, which also strives to do its best for the environment.

Tony Page, Head of Fleet & Facilities Management, said: “We were proud to represent the service last night and receive a very warm welcome to the stage in a room of industry leaders and fleet operators, in what has been such a challenging year. Although there were just a handful of us at the event to accept the award, this is certainly a joint contribution, and the efforts of the whole fleet team certainly don’t go unnoticed – an immense amount of hard work goes on in the background for which I am extremely grateful. WMAS operates the newest ambulance fleet in the UK, which is designed with the lightest material technology available in the industry, ensuring our vehicles have the lowest emissions possible at this time. As wonderful as it is to be recognised, we know there is much more we can do to lead our sector in implementing a zero-emissions fleet. In the New Year, all electric Patient Transport Service (PTS) ambulances will be brought into service, alongside the already growing electric vehicles in support services we use. We will have electric vehicles in all areas of our operation in 2022 – another first for the sector.”

Tony was also shortlisted in the ‘Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year’ category, which recognises individuals who have demonstrated innovation, dedication, and commitment to making carbon reduction a priority. Unfortunately, he just missed out on this prize, but was honoured to be commended, nonetheless. Craig Cooke, Executive Director of Strategic and Digital Integration, said: “Tony is the driving force behind our fleet operations and ensures our crews have the very best ambulances available to them each day. The ambulance fleet in the West Midlands is the newest in our country and is under a continual improvement and investment programme which the Trust is committed to, and we will continue to innovate, develop and invest in the latest fleet technology to implement more zero-emissions vehicles each year. I am extremely proud that Tony was nominated for the award on this occasion. A very well done and thank you for what you and all the team in Fleet deliver every day.”

Notes to editors:

• In October 2020, the Trust took a major step forward in reducing its impact on the environment by launching the world’s first fully electric emergency ambulance which is operating every day in the city of Birmingham, delivering lifesaving patient care; it has the same medical equipment and capability as our diesel-powered fleet.
• In March 2021, the Trust worked with partner VCS Bradford again to launch two all-electric zero emissions Jaguar I-Pace ambulance response cars, which are operational in Birmingham.
• The most recent addition to the Trust’s electric fleet this year is four London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) VN5 vans for its IT support team, whose journeys can vary according to demand.
• All attendees of last night’s awards were required to display their COVID-19 pass and/or a negative LFT upon entry.