A construction group with operations in West Yorkshire has invested £1.4 million in a greener van fleet which it expects to bring savings of £150,000 in annual fuel costs.

The Esh Group has provided the vans to four of its divisions, including Lumsden & Carroll Construction, its building and civil engineering arm.

A total of 84 new vehicles have been bought from three suppliers, Arnold Clark, Benfield Motors and North East Truck & Bus, and will provide nearly half of the group’s van fleet.

Some 35 of the vehicles feature the latest fuel efficiency technology which is expected to produce annual fuel savings of at least 25 per cent, which at current prices would save £29,000 a year. All the new vehicles are fitted with speed restriction devices to increase fuel savings and improve health and safety.

Esh group operations director John Davies said: “These deals clearly represent significant expenditure for Esh Group. We’ve researched this thoroughly and we are projecting savings of up to £150,000 annually in reduced running costs and fuel savings alone. “ The award-winning Esh Group employs more than 1,000 people and has an annual turnover of more than £150 million.