South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue's director of finance Beverley Sandy updates public on the Combined Aerial Rescue Pump (CARPs) and Regional Control Centre (RCC) projects.

In reference to CARPs, she says:

“The suppliers have achieved taking the weight of the CARP down to the weight needed for the vehicles to be used in South Yorkshire. We are planning to have the first vehicle back from Holland, where the work is being carried out, by the end of October.

Following the necessary training programme with training centre and stations, the first vehicle is expected to be officially on the run just after Christmas. The remaining three vehicles will all be on the run by the start of the new financial year in April.

“Contrary to rumours, the vehicles were commissioned as emergency appliances and as such they will meet all the requirements of an emergency appliance, including how far and fast they can travel.

“Overall, the concept of the CARP, as identified in the IRMP of 2005/6, remains the same, and once operational, will deliver a cost saving of £1 million per year, every year.”