The benefits

Cross says that fleet operators can expect a 55-65% saving over a year on non-safety related purchases.

This saving is against the discounted (not retail) price the police fleet would have paid for new parts.

Northumbria Police has done even better: it has saved 70% under the scheme.

West Yorkshire Police has also made significant savings. Last year it saved £91,000 purchasing parts from FAB against the purchase price it would have paid for new parts.

North Yorkshire Police saved £25,000 last year and Flint expects to save more this year as he increases his use of recycled parts.

Being able to extend the life of a vehicle is another benefit not included in the financial savings.

Thompson says: “Originally the majority of parts purchased by West Yorkshire from FAB were body panels for our collision damaged vehicles. This alone has saved us having to write off nine vehicles in 2012, mainly due to being able to purchase doors, wings, bumpers.”

Wilson says that Northumbria Police was also able to prolong the life of six vehicles last year.

Aside from the benefit of disposing of fewer vehicles, environmental savings come from not manufacturing or shipping new parts. Admittedly, recycling is not emissions-free either but FAB claims to be carbon neutral as it has a carbon offsetting programme.

Police fleet managers also highlight the benefits of reduced downtime with parts delivered the next day.

Wilson says that rather than going to an outside supplier for a repair, the force’s technicians may simply swap a door over which saves on vehicle downtime.

Using a recycled part can also be better than waiting for a new custom-built part that a specialist vehicle may require.

“We might have to go to a manufacturer for a custom-built part and we could end up waiting weeks,” says Wilson.

Parts are often in the right colour (typically white) and
may even have the right livery which also reduces downtime.

“We don’t vary the price depending whether it is the right livery or not,” Cross adds.

Wilson hasn’t always been able to get the parts he requires.

“Say I need five parts, I might only be able get three through parts recycling and I will have to buy the other two new. But I am still making a saving and it’s very rare for that to happen.

“If we could get all the forces involved we would have a bigger pool of parts.”

Thompson adds: “The more forces that get involved the better the savings for everyone.”

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