Every item that FAB removes from the vehicle is pictured, tagged and logged. Customers can log on to FAB’s website, Mygreenfleet, to check a part’s history. They can also request a part and view data such as cost comparisons.

This data and knowing that the parts have come from police vehicles – sometimes a force’s own vehicles – is key.

“We have confidence in the parts because they have come off police vehicles,” says Steve Thompson, head of transport for West Yorkshire Police.

It commenced a contract with FAB in 2010 for the disposal of its write-off vehicles and was “the first force to really grasp the concept and get it to work”, according to Cross.

It now uses FAB as its first choice for most workshop parts and has taken alternators, starter motors, driveshafts and gearboxes into its own stores on imprest stock.

Keith Wilson, fleet manager for Northumbria Police and chairman of the NAPFM, admits to being sceptical about parts recycling when he first got involved three years ago.

Initially he opted for large units, such as replacement engines, but has gradually increased the number of parts bought through FAB.

“It’s like anything, you’re sceptical at first,” he says. “You try it and then you build a relationship with your supplier.”

Reservations are sometimes born out of not knowing enough about parts recycling, according to Cross.

“Someone thought a door was a safety-related item,” he says. “Why? Because it stops you falling out.”

Flint suggests it is up to the fleet manager to decide what non-safety related parts they are happy to fit, but he adds: “If there’s no risk to the driver or vehicle occupants why wouldn’t you?”

Neither Flint and Wilson have experienced any problems with parts. Thompson adds: “It’s a chance you take, but you get a warranty with the part.”

FAB’s standard warranty on all parts is six months, unlimited mileage.

Body panels and lights come with a free of charge life in service warranty, covering against inside-to-outside perforation caused by rust.

It is also possible to upgrade to a 12-month warranty for an additional 20% of the purchase price.

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