New technology is on its way to Kirklees bin rounds.
And while Kirklees Council say its too early in negotiations to know what it will involve, they have dismissed speculation they are spending £250,000 on ‘iPads for bin men’.
After a tip-off suggesting the council was buying the equipment, Kirklees has confirmed that they are exploring ways to update the technology of the service.
Negotiations are at an early stage, but the Examiner understands the amount Kirklees may spend is significantly less than the rumoured £250,000 - and the council expects to save double their spend in the long-run.
Joanne Bartholomew, Assistant Director of Place at Kirklees Council, said: “We are investing in our fleet and support systems to allow us to work more efficiently and contribute to our service savings of £1.4 million over the next three years.
“The systems will be similar to other technology currently used by Building Services which has demonstrated these savings can be achieved.
“The old software we are replacing is 14 years old and outdated – by making these changes now we will be better placed to protect services in the future.”
A source criticised the move, saying it comes “at a time when jobs are on the line” and could be better spent.
A second source, connected to the cleansing service, said staff knew Kirklees streets ‘like the back of their hands’ and questioned how the new technology will help: “I’d be interested to know what difference it’s going to make, we don’t know that yet.
“Technology doesn’t go and pull the bin from the side of the street to the wagon, you’ll always need people for that.”
New, and possible similar, technology is being used this winter for the council’s gritting fleet with advances in route optimisation technology helping map the gritting rounds to be more efficient.
