The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has ordered 500 Renault Masters to double its existing fleet of Test and Trace mobile testing units (MTUs).
Ordered from Renault UK, LeasePlan UK and TGS via Crown Commercial Services, the vehicles replace DHSC’s existing MTU fleet of 258 vehicles but will more than double testing capacities.
The bespoke conversion, developed by LeasePlan UK and TGS, offers twice the daily testing capacity of the previous MTU, with each of the new vehicles having the ability to store 1,000 test kits compared with the original’s capacity of 500. These developments significantly increase the testing capacity offered by the UK’s mobile testing capability and enhance the NHS Test and Trace Programme.
The purpose-built conversion ensures safe and comfortable testing conditions for staff and subjects in all weather conditions. Features include twin awnings with layouts to accommodate drive-through testing and staff welfare areas, pedestrian testing bays, onboard heating, hot water and hand-washing facilities, generator for additional power, comprehensive charging and electrical access points, and extra lighting. To ensure the Renault Master MTUs are instantly work-ready, TGS and LeasePlan UK have worked with third-party suppliers to guarantee the continual flow of components and inventory sourced from across the EU and included in each van before delivery.
Vincent Tourette, managing director, Renault UK, said: “We are exceptionally pleased that the Renault Master is playing a part in helping the DHSC to continue its invaluable work in controlling the spread of Covid and further enhance the size of what is the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in British history. Being able to provide such a substantial number of base vehicles in such a short timeframe presented a significant challenge, but it’s something that we and our factory were proud to overcome. It’s very rewarding to see the Renault Master MTUs in service on the frontline and contributing to the UK’s fight against Covid.”
