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Government vehicle maintenance service explained

The Government car fleet is heavily utilised and the mileage of the majority of the vehicles are much higher than the average mileage of a private saloon, with some of the vehicles having mileage four to six times more than that of an average private vehicle, a spokesman for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) said today (Friday).

He said some vehicles were fitted with special equipment and accessories requiring more items to maintain, and thus more care and attention were needed. For specialist vehicles, technical complexity was even more profound.

The EMSD vehicle maintenance service has been established for over 40 years. The types of vehicles being maintained range from ambulances, police vehicles, road sweeper, refuse collection vehicles to common types of saloons, light buses and trucks.

Currently, the department is maintaining over 7,300 vehicles for the various government departments. Many of the special vehicles require special maintenance set ups and skills.

"It is our duty of care to maintain all vehicles in good physical conditions. All vehicle bodies and paint works are regularly carried out on need basis. Poor looking vehicles affect the image of the government departments," he said.

"As a government department, EMSD is conscious that it has to set an example on the engineering standards associated with its maintenance service. Accordingly, it has set itself a high quality standards in its vehicle maintenance services.

"All vehicles are serviced regularly at intervals recommended by the manufacturers. They are certified road worthy which in turn enhance drivers, passengers and pedestrians safety. Besides, it is our policy to use only genuine spare parts and consumable.

"Vehicles are maintained at good condition and are thus available for use whenever needed. This is particularly important for police cars, ambulance and public service vehicles."

He explained that all engines were tuned to optimise fuel combustion and to minimise smoke emission. This helps to conserve energy efficiency and reduce air pollution. All solid and fluid waste arising from vehicle services are disposed of properly to protect our environment.