You can almost guarantee that whenever we’re called out, one of our team vehicles will be heading for the incident within minutes. Our vehicles are a vital part of the team’s equipment, helping us get people and kit where they’re needed, when it matters most.
Recently, we caught up with our Vehicle Lead, Wayne, to find out more about the fleet and the work that goes into keeping it all mission-ready.
What is involved in your role as Vehicles Lead for the Team?
Many responsibilities fall under my role, including the usual MOT, Service, and Road Tax. Primarily, I serve as a point of contact for any issues with the vehicles, whether that’s responding to breakdowns, or to problems, and either fixing these in-house, or routing to the appropriate repairer.
Due to the nature of our response, vehicles will at some point become damaged, and being able to swiftly repair or return a vehicle to operational status is essential to ensure our emergency response ability is not compromised.
How many vehicles does the team have?
The team currently has 6 vehicles, but my role is wider than just vehicles
3x Landrover Defender 100s – emergency response
1x Ford Transit Crew van – emergency response /incident support
1x Ssangsong Musto 4×4 – emergency response
1x VW Crafter Van – incident control vehicle
2x RIB (rigid inflatable boat) trailers
1x catering trailer
1x generator
The Vehicles are named BM1, BM2 etc. What does BM stand for?
As with our personal call signs, we need to be identified as a team when working. ‘B’ gives us Bolton, our team-nominated prefix. ‘BM’ gives the ability to tell it’s a vehicle, BM – Bolton Mobile.
Therefore, when communicating either between ourselves or with other teams, we can tell who we are calling. B1 (Bolton 1) – Team Leader. BM1 (Bolton Mobile 1) – Landrover response vehicle.
How do the vehicles differ in capability?
BM1 – BM3: These are Landrover Defender 110 emergency response vehicles. Many would agree they are the ultimate off-road access vehicle to get us as near as possible to the incident.
BM4: SsangYong Musto 4×4 emergency response vehicle. This gives us better access off the tarmac road on the uneven tracks and trails.
BM5: Ford Transit Emergency Response Incident Support Vehicle. This carries additional kit to support both Technical Rope Rescue and Water Rescue team deployments.
BM6: This is our VW Crafter Incident Control Vehicle and is a 7-person carrier. It acts as a focal point for any search or complex, protracted incident, with the ability to work entirely off-grid, providing office space and equipment for incident commanders, and radio communications and an internet connection.
What’s the total approximate running cost of the vehicles per year?
That’s a good question and one that varies from vehicle to vehicle, and year to year. Here are some approximate annual costs:
Servicing £2,000 – £3,500
MOT £300
Maintenance £1,500 – £5,000
Repairs £2,000 – £6,000
Recovery £1,000
Insurance £3,600
Circa £10,400 – £19,400 per year
How much would it cost to replace one of the Defenders and be fully adapted to suit the needs of Bolton MRT?
Some teams have already purchased the new Landrover Defender. Some teams choose the 110 and some the 130. To purchase the vehicle and adapt it to meet our needs would cost in the region of £100,000 – £120,000.
Do you have a favourite vehicle?
Yes. It has to be any of the Landrovers! There’s nothing better than being out in a Landrover to meet the community. From the enthusiast to the small child, all are interested in our vehicles!
