Local Authority Vehicles since 1970

Local government has undergone significant changes since the early 1970s, with county boroughs, urban districts, and rural districts replaced by district or borough councils. In the 1980s, competitive tendering saw many services contracted out to private companies or operated by in-house direct labor organizations. From 1996, another reorganisation saw the creation of many unitary authorities responsible for all services in the area. This book looks at some of the vehicles in use by local authorities, from Devon to Scotland, since the 1970s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Since the early 1970s, local government has undergone significant transformations. Firstly, in 1974, the county boroughs, urban districts, and rural districts were replaced by district or borough councils operating under county councils. At that time, local authorities assumed responsibility for a wide range of services within their boundaries, encompassing road construction, maintenance, and cleansing; refuse collection and disposal; parks and playing fields; as well as education and social services.

In the 1980s, competitive tendering emerged, leading to the outsourcing of many services to private companies or the establishment of in-house direct labor organizations. From 1996 onwards, another reorganization took place, resulting in the creation of numerous unitary authorities responsible for all services in their respective areas. These unitary authorities operated in a similar manner to county borough councils before 1974.

A diverse array of vehicles, ranging from pedestrian-operated pavement sweepers to maximum capacity articulated units, were employed for these duties. This book explores some of the vehicles in use by local authorities across various regions, including Devon and Scotland, since the 1970s.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 166 x 235 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398108585