The Environment Agency has renewed its 4x4 vehicles contract with Mitsubishi.

The new contract follows a re-evaluation of products on the market and a re-tendering exercise.

The agency has used Mitsubishis since 2004. It uses the L200 pick-up in single and double cab form, as well as the Shogun, primarily in short-
wheel-base 4Work spec.

The new contract will see Outlander 4Works supplied as well.

Tony Sale, fleet operations contracts manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Value for money, environmental considerations and fit for purpose in carrying out everyday flood defence and environmental management work were the key factors considered in the renewal of the contract.

"Our vehicles must be reliable, efficient to run and perform on the road as well as off it.”

The Environment Agency uses its off-road vehicles primarily to patrol rivers, lakes and coastlines, as well as farm visits.

The need for off-road vehicles was proven last summer when extreme weather conditions caused devastating floods in various parts of the country.

4x4s were relied upon to carry engineers to affected areas.