20 Brand-New Scarab Sweepers for Hackney Council

Hackney Council Partners with Scarab Sweepers for Full Fleet Replacement, Including Comprehensive R&M Package

This June, Hackney Council welcomed 20 brand-new road sweeping vehicles from Scarab Sweepers into its fleet - a significant investment reflecting a shared commitment to cleaner streets, healthier communities, and a greener future.

As one of London’s most densely populated boroughs, Hackney depends on reliable, high-performing street cleansing operations supported by exceptional service and parts availability. These critical requirements led to a strategic partnership with Scarab Sweepers. Trusted by municipalities worldwide, Scarab’s innovative range of sweeping solutions is designed to deliver performance, durability, and uptime - and the team is proud to support Hackney in maintaining cleaner, safer streets for its residents.

Driving a Cleaner, Greener Borough

Following a rigorous programme of demonstrations and evaluations, Hackney Council made the decision to undertake a full fleet replacement. The new fleet comprises seven Merlin 62 truck-mounted sweepers, twelve RAVO R2 compact sweepers and one RAVO R1 sub-compact sweeper. Together, these vehicles will support comprehensive street cleansing operations across Hackney, ensuring roadways, high streets and residential areas are maintained to the highest standards.

A key element of this investment is the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, a renewable alternative to traditional diesel. By utilising HVO, Hackney Council is significantly reducing emissions from its operations, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel, while also lowering nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.

Residents can expect not only cleaner streets but also improved air quality, contributing to a healthier borough for all who live, work and visit Hackney.

Immediate Environmental Impact Without Compromise

Unlike many alternative fuel solutions, HVO can be used as a direct replacement for diesel, requiring no additional infrastructure or vehicle modifications. This enabled Hackney Council to achieve rapid decarbonisation of its street cleansing fleet without operational disruption.

The new Scarab sweepers are fully optimised for efficiency and performance while running on renewable fuel, ensuring the Council continues to deliver high levels of service while progressing towards its sustainability goals. By decarbonising essential frontline services, Hackney is demonstrating that scalable, practical solutions to climate challenges are available today.

A Partnership Built on Performance and Trust

Speaking on the fleet replacement, Matthew Burdon, Regional Sales Manager for London & the South East, commented:

“Replacing an entire fleet of vehicles requires true partnership. We have worked closely with Hackney’s Operations and Service teams to understand their needs and ensure we have supplied the right mix of vehicles to deliver consistent performance and reliability for residents across the borough.”

He added, “Hackney has been at the forefront of the industry as one of the earliest adopters of HVO fuel. By operating these brand-new sweepers on renewable fuel, residents can expect cleaner streets with a significantly reduced environmental impact.”

“On behalf of the entire Scarab Sweepers team, I would like to thank Hackney Council for placing their trust in our products. Now, we’re excited to put the sweepers to work!”

Uptime. Every Time.

To support the long-term success of the fleet, Scarab’s industry-leading After Sales team will provide ongoing support throughout the duration of the contract. Each vehicle is backed by a comprehensive Repair & Maintenance package, ensuring maximum uptime and operational reliability through expert servicing, preventative maintenance programmes, continuous training, access to genuine OEM parts, and rapid response support.

With this robust framework in place, Hackney Council can be confident that its fleet will continue to perform at peak condition, delivering reliable and uninterrupted service to the community.

Committed to a Sustainable Future

This major fleet investment highlights Hackney Council’s leadership in sustainable urban services. By combining cutting-edge vehicle technology, with renewable fuel solutions and a strong service partnership, the borough is taking meaningful action to reduce emissions while enhancing frontline operations.

Together, Hackney Council and Scarab Sweepers are setting a new standard for environmentally responsible street cleansing, proving that cleaner streets and cleaner air can go hand in hand.