Ford Transit emergency response vehicles join Northern Gas

Ford has been selected to provide 134 Transit-based emergency response vehicles for Northern Gas Networks (NGN). Key to NGN's decision was the Ford Transit's ability to accommodate on-board power systems.

Each vehicle is crewed by two engineers and is part of an emergency response and repair service covering NGN’s 23,000-mile network of gas pipes. To equip the vehicles for their role, power-conversion systems in the form of under-floor generators and compressors, power-tools, workbenches and racking are fitted.

The Transit order was placed by United Utilities Operations Ltd, which provides asset management and associated services for NGN. NGN distributes gas to 2.5 million users across Yorkshire, the North-East and northern Cumbria.

The emergency response vehicles are based on Ford Transit 350 medium-wheelbase, high-roof models, powered by 2.4-litre 140PS diesel engines driving the rear wheels. Rear-wheel drive is preferred by United Utilities for onboard power conversions, which NGN requires primarily to enable road-drilling.

“In this instance, Transit technology provides the best platform for our needs,” said Gary Banister, United Utilities’ head of transport services.

For clear identification, the Transits are finished in white with red stripes and liveried with ‘Northern Gas Networks working with United Utilities’. They are being supplied by Ford complete with vinyl seating, Thatcham-approved alarms, 70mph speed limiters and heavy-duty batteries.

Each of the Ford Transit models is purchased outright and they are expected to average 20,000 miles a year, with replacement scheduled at around four years.