Southern Water is working with Alphabet GB on replacing its LCV fleet with new, greener and more efficient vans.
The utility company signed up Alphabet as its new fleet funding and management partner late last year and the two firms initially collaborated to identify new, efficient vans for the fleet and then started work on a new livery solution to improve safety for essential workers carrying out operations on the roadside at night.
Alphabet begun replacing Southern Water’s c. 700-strong LCV fleet in December 2020, delivering an initial batch of vehicles including Volkswagen Caddy and Crafter, Vauxhall Combo and Vivaro and a Toyota Hilux. A total of 275 orders have been placed so far, with additional orders for over half of Southern Water’s remaining fleet expected to be renewed this year.
Alphabet’s work also included the development of a bespoke branding solution using reflective vinyl to improve safety for night working and increase brand awareness. Developed with Alphabet’s conversion partner Mediafleet, the new livery provides a solution for both day and night settings, matching brand colours perfectly, in contrast to the previous reflective material used, which gave a distorted view of key colours in daylight.
Southern Water was able to review the conversion process remotely using a bespoke online ordering portal and 360-degree images, ensuring the work progressed throughout the national lockdown.
Martin Mitton, fleet contract manager at Southern Water, said: “In choosing Alphabet for this contract it was important we found a supplier who understood our safety and efficiency needs. We’re looking forward to rolling out a new fleet not only liveried in our new brand but with enhanced visibility for our front-line workers.”
