Note added Sat 14/10/2006 by 1260F
The five ERU Volvos were registered in October 1998, so they are due for their Goods Vehicle Annual Test each October. I would think the sightings of bare chassis being moved is likely to be movements to and from servicing and testing. Servicing used to be done at Volvo Truck and Bus at Park Royal, the test at Yeading testing centre. When they were purchased the maintenance contract was for an initial 5 years with options to extend. The previous generation Mercedes 1114s lasted 8 years and the Volvo is better suited to ERU work, so they may last another couple of years, depending on condition and mileage. If they were about to be changed, replacement vehicles would already be in stock to allow for staff familiarisation before they enter service. Also, from memory, I think the de-mountable bodies (DB2 to DB6), which date from 1990 and were refurbished in 1998 when the Volvos were delivered, will be due for replacement with the next generation of ERU lorries. |
