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Hot Wheels
With significant fuel price increases driven by conflict in the Middle East, local authority fleet and transport teams are facing growing financial pressures. Our latest briefing explores the impact of fuel price increases on local councils across the UK, including fuel procurement, storage, shortages, contingency plans and decarbonisation goals.
Despite these challenges, councils continue to work towards their decarbonisation goals, investing in electric vehicles, decarbonised fleet and sustainable fuel alternatives.
As Local Government Reorganisation progresses, APSE Energy hosted a webinar exploring how local authorities can implement successful decarbonisation strategies within an evolving local government landscape. At APSE Energy’s recent event in Nottingham, delegates discussed the local net-zero transition and visited Eastcroft Depot to learn more about Nottingham City Council’s fleet decarbonisation journey.
APSE is supporting members’ fleet and transport teams throughout their LGR journey with our upcoming sector-specific LGR Roundtables.
Our Principal Advisor in Scotland, Louise Melville, continues to sit on the SOLACE / Improvement Service Transformation Programme Fleet Procurement Sub-Group alongside APSE Scotland Fleet Network Secretary Scott Blyth, ensuring network members remain informed of the latest developments affecting the sector.
Join us at our Transport Seminar on Thursday 15 October in Derby to hear the latest insights into recruitment challenges, decarbonisation strategies and frontline fleet operations.
Bonni Jee, Principal Advisor for Fleet, Transport and Vehicle Maintenance
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Small enough to care. Big enough to dare. Keeping public services moving demands more than a vehicle supplier. It demands a fleet partner that combines personal service with the capability to deliver.
SIXT van & truck specialises in the long-term hire of vans and 4x4s, helping organisations across the UK to keep essential services moving with dependable fleet solutions and a genuinely personal approach to customer service.
Our nationwide capability enables us to support fleets of every size, while our approachable leadership team and dedicated account managers ensure you'll never feel like just another account. Our Managing Director remains accessible because we believe the strongest partnerships are built on accountability, responsiveness and trust.
Trust your fleet with SIXT van & truck
Your partner for every mile.
Learn more: https://sixtvanandtruck.com/public-sector-fleets/
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📝 BRIEFINGS, POLICY AND RESEARCH
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Examining the Impact of the Recent Fuel Price Increases on Local Authority Fleet
APSE conducted a report into the impact of the recent fuel price increases on local authority fleet.
The report examines the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, including fuel procurement, storage, shortages, contingency plans and decarbonisation goals.
Read our briefing here
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Reporting Back on Transport and Fleet at the Scotland Fleet, Waste and Grounds Seminar
On 20 and 21 May, APSE held its annual Scotland Fleet, Waste and Grounds Seminar in Aviemore.
The event explored managing fleet insurance risks, HGV decarbonisation plans, drug and alcohol policies, road safety and vehicle compliance.
Read our briefing here
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New Government Guidance on Designing Accessible Rural Active Travel
Active Travel England has recently released technical guidance and case studies to help councils in England to plan and design walking, wheeling and cycling routes and facilities in rural areas.
Read about the guidance here
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Apprenticeships, Improving Recruitment and Retention
APSE recently hosted a webinar showcasing case studies of successful apprenticeship schemes across frontline services, including transport.
Led by David Smith of Acorn Environmental Services, the webinar explored Tower Hamlets’ journey with the Level 3 Transport and Warehouse Operative Supervisor course and highlighted how councils can retain young people through valuable qualifications and progression opportunities.
A case study briefing will follow.
View the webinar slides here
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Managing Grey Fleet Pressures Through Pool Fleet Solutions
With the recent increase in AMAP rates, local authorities are facing even greater budget pressures when it comes to grey fleet travel and employees using their own vehicles for council business. There are also wider considerations around vehicle tracking, carbon emissions, and ensuring employee vehicles meet required MOT and safety standards.
At the most recent APSE Transport Network meeting, Ryan Bushell from Enterprise shared how pool fleet solutions can help local authorities address these challenges.
View the meeting slides here
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Case Study: Fleet Decarbonisation at Salford City Council
Hayley Nixon, Strategic Lead at Salford City Council, outlines how the organisation is reshaping its fleet strategy to drive decarbonisation, support innovation, and deliver long term benefits.
Read the full story here
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APSE Associate Bob Bowdler shares his career journey as an interim fleet specialist
APSE Associate and Interim Fleet Manager at Mansfield District Council shares his career journey from HGV apprentice to interim fleet specialist.
Read the full story here
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Liverpool bus electrification project supports move to cleaner transport
North Liverpool’s Gillmoss Depot has undergone a multimillion-pound transformation to support the electrification of the region’s bus fleet.
The project was delivered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in partnership with Liverpool City Council and industry partners.
Read the full story here
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England’s first cycle street opens in Cambridge
England’s first cycle street has now opened on Adams Road in Cambridge, giving cyclists priority over vehicles.
This project forms part of the Greater Cambridge Greenways programme, which aims to make walking and cycling across Greater Cambridge easier, safer and more sustainable.
Read the full story here
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APSE explores the impact of fuel price increases on local authority fleet
APSE explores the impact of fuel price increases on local authority fleet, including the findings from a recent APSE survey on how recent fuel price spikes are impacting local authority fleet across the UK
Read the full story here
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Neath Port Talbot Council’s recycling fleet goes fully electric
Neath Port Talbot Council has become the first local authority in the UK to transition its recycling fleet to fully electric vehicles.
The vehicles are partly powered by solar panels and will replace the existing fleet of diesel recycling vehicles.
Read the full story here
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Getting LGR Ready: Lessons from Westmorland and Furness
When local government reorganisation (LGR) created Westmorland and Furness Council in 2023, Austin Shields, Senior Manager – Fleet Services, found himself inheriting vehicles, depots, data systems and working cultures from multiple legacy organisations.
Now with LGR announced for the rest of the country, there are valuable lessons that can be learned from others’ journey. Austin presented on LGR and Westmorland and Furness’ decarbonisation journey at a recent APSE Energy webinar.
Read the full story here
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Sheffield Council reduces SEND school transport costs
Sheffield Council has successfully reduced costs associated with transporting SEND pupils to school.
The council was expected to surpass their SEND transport budget by £7m, prompting a review of their SEND school transport support.
Read the full story here
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Electric bus uptake accelerates across UK fleets
Zero-emission buses have reached their highest ever market share in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable public transport.
New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 37.3% of new buses registered from January to March 2026 were zero-emission.
Read the full story here
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Newry, Mourne and Downe District Council transitions fleet from diesel to biofuel
Newry, Mourne and Downe District Council have transitioned their vehicle fleet from diesel to an environmentally friendly biofuel mix.
The transition marks an important step in the council’s decarbonisation journey, with more electric vehicles set to be introduced.
Read the full story here
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Highland Council introduces first fully electric bus
Highland Council’s first fully electric bus has officially taken to the roads in Inverness.
The introduction of the 46-seat coach marks an exciting step in the council’s journey to greener, cleaner public transport.
Read the full story here
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Basildon Borough Council’s award winning fleet delivery
Basildon Borough Council won two Fleet awards at the Fleet Vision International Awards earlier this year. The council’s Assistant Director for Environment, Climate Change and Open Spaces, presented on this achievement at the most recent APSE Transport Network meeting.
View the meeting slides here
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Roads to Resilience - APSE Northern Event
Thursday 6 August, 10:30 - 12:30
Trafford House, Manchester, M32 0RS
Book your place here
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Scotland Fleet, Transport and Vehicle
Maintenance Network Meeting
Wednesday 9 September, 11:00 - 13:00
Book your place here
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Transport Seminar
Thursday 15 October, 10:00 - 16:30
The Derby Conference Centre, London Rd, Derby, DE24 8UX
Book your place here
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📊 DATA INSIGHTS WITH PERFORMANCE NETWORKS
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Benchmarking that drives better fleet performance
How does your fleet operation compare with others across the UK? Performance Networks Transport Operations and Vehicle Maintenance module provides local authorities with a comprehensive benchmarking service tailored to fleet and transport services.
The module helps authorities measure performance across key areas including costs, productivity, vehicle availability, maintenance, compliance, customer satisfaction, and workforce management. Members benefit from detailed benchmarking reports, trend analysis, dashboards, and best practice case studies, enabling managers to identify efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance service delivery.
More than benchmarking, the module brings transport professionals together through working groups, training, and peer networking, providing opportunities to share practical solutions to common challenges.
Explore how Performance Networks can support your service
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⚙️ CONSULTANCY AND INTERIM MANAGMENT SUPPORT
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Need consultancy support or an interim manager for your Fleet, Transport and Vehicle Maintenance Services? APSE Solutions can help.
Whether you need short-term management cover or expert strategic advice, APSE Solutions provides experienced support tailored to your Fleet, Transport and Vehicle Maintenance Services.
Our expertise includes but is not limited to:
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Full ‘as-is’ service reviews and compliance health checks
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Options appraisals for continued delivery
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Interim Fleet Managers
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Interim O Licence holders
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Fleet transition feasibility studies and fleet replacement strategies
Whatever stage your service is at, our experienced associates can provide practical and professional support.
Find out more about our Solutions service here
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Network Queries are a resource for APSE members, allowing officers and councillors the opportunity to ask any question to APSE’s network.
This service gives our members access to the experience, knowledge and expertise of colleagues from over 300 member councils across the UK.
As a member organisation, officers and councillors from APSE have access to this service.
Do you have a question which you would like to ask the network?
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Our Annual Seminar and Service Awards are back for another year!
This time, we will be in Liverpool to discuss how we can deliver for our communities, outlining strategies for safer, cleaner and healthier places for residents to thrive.
Join us at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Princes Dock in Liverpool on Wednesday 16 - Thursday 17 September.
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Head of Business Resources
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APSE is a member of APSE and APSE Energy and so you have full access to the benefits of both memberships. Find out more by visiting the APSE Website and the APSE Energy Web Pages.
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You have expressed interest in the below service areas.
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Armed Forces and Veterans Network
Building Cleaning
Catering
Cemeteries and Crematoria
Social Value, Procurement and Commercialisation
Environmental Health
Health and Social Care
Housing & Building Maintenance
Local Government Reorganisation
Parks & Grounds Maintenance
Waste & Recycling
Renewables & Climate Change
Roads & Highways
Sports & Leisure
Transport & Vehicle Maintenance
Workforce Matters
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If you would like to add to or amend your areas of interest you can do so using the link below.
Service Area Update Form
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APSE’s suite of service area networks now includes:
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Subscribe to APSE Communications
If you have been forwarded this email by a colleague and would like to subscribe to APSE communications yourself, please complete the Online Contact Form.
If you have any colleagues that would benefit from APSE communications, you can Forward the Online Contact Form.
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Upcoming APSE Seminars
You can view the upcoming suite of APSE Seminars by clicking on the link below.
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Colleagues from APSE can attend these Seminars at the Member Rate.
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Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com
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