A SWINDON distribution depot won an award for its high standard of fleet maintenance and safety.

The Freight Transport Association honoured Menzies Distribution with a Roadworthiness Award for achieving consistently high levels of vehicle safety and compliance.

FTA contract manager Patrick Cobb said: "Maintaining fleets to the highest standards of safety and compliance is a priority for FTA and its members and it is a task at which Menzies Distribution excels.

"Its fleet management team is dedicated to maintaining the very highest safety and compliance levels and this award is a reflection of the exacting standards against which the team operates its vehicles.

"FTA’s Roadworthiness Award is a very well-deserved acknowledgement of all their efforts. They set a very high benchmark and continually exceed expectations.”

The depot is part of a national chain which has a fleet of more than 1,200 vehicles travelling over 49 million miles a year. The Swindon team look after 18 vehicles, tractor units and trailers and keep an eye on any safety defects that need repair.

Menzies Distribution manager Gary Foster said: “The company prides itself on having the highest of standards and we are delighted that the maintenance and safety standards we set for our fleet have been recognised with this prestigious award.

"Ensuring these vehicles are well maintained is a foundation for our reliable just-in-time logistics service.”

As part of the association’s services to its members, the FTA provides a vehicle inspection service which helps organisations ensure their safety standards do not falter over the years.

Mr Cobb added: “Operating logistics vehicles on Britain’s roads is a challenging task with constantly changing conditions that keep businesses from across the sector on their toes.

"FTA has supported Menzies Distribution for the past 14 years with compliance audits and this has ensured that the company continues to achieve consistently high levels in 'roadworthiness'. The management team at Menzies Distribution has set a high benchmark for itself and other operators."