Redcar & Cleveland Council invests in two-way radios

The council has committed to spending more than £123,000 to provide members of its recycling, waste and transport teams with an upgraded series of Motorola's digital screened CP040 and digital/analogue DP1400 hand portable radios.

According to the council, devices being used were more than ten years old and in “desperate need of upgrading”. The option of replacing two-way radios with mobile phones had been considered by the council but a spokesperson said they “would not offer reliable borough-wide coverage”. Having considered other options, Eemits were selected in a deal which will see the Middlesbrough-based two-way radio specialists also upgrade software and licences.

Commenting on the deal, a council report said: “Communication has suffered through the deterioration of our current provision and the existing units are beyond economical repair so a replacement would be required in the near future.

“Good communications are vital for departments in our authority and clear, efficient and instant communication saves time and cost by ensuring we are able to contact crews and drivers across the borough without delay. This upgrade will offer greater efficiencies and response times through improved communication with our staff.”