An investment of almost £900,000 is being pumped into the war on waste in Tendring.

Onyx - the firm which collects refuse on behalf of Tendring Council - has bought seven new high-tech vehicles to add to its fleet.

The 26-ton low-level Mercedes machines have been custom-built for the job and will soon take to the streets.

They also provide extra comfort for the drivers cruise control, heated seats and hand-cleansing facilities.

There is an on-board weighting system which means the vehicle can be operated to its maximum load and a computer which checks oil and water.

The total cost to the company is £860,000.

The low-emission fleet will run on low sulphur fuel and with an Eminox exhaust purifying system.

Complete with catalyst and filter module, they cost £3,500 per unit.

Bill Smith, Tendring's recycling officer, greeted the machines' arrival and welcomed their contribution to cleaner air as well as the obvious benefit to the community.

Published Wednesday October 30, 2002

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