Rapid response has engineers on two wheels

A specialist North West team of motorbike-riding rapid-response gas engineers is expanding to create a base in the borough, after a successful trial saw them reach potential emergencies up to 50 per cent faster than in vans.
The new motorbikes in actionThe new motorbikes in action
The new motorbikes in action

Cadent, which manages the extensive underground gas mains network and provides the North West’s gas emergency service, has increased the number of motorbikes operating in the region from one to three, and is now expanding the service into new areas.

In addition to the existing team covering Manchester and surrounding towns, new teams – and new bikes – will soon operate from from Atherton (to cover Lancashire and parts of Greater Manchester) and Warrington (covering Merseyside and Cheshire).

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This helps ensure Cadent meets its commitment to reach potential life and property-saving incidents within an hour of anyone calling the national gas emergency service number 0800 111 999.

The North West team will continue to ride a BMW RT1200 motorbike it had loaned for a trial period last year from Cadent’s North London network. Two extra motorbikes, both BMW 750GS models, have now arrived for the North West.

When a call is received to the national gas emergency number – which is the number everyone should ring if they smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide – Cadent dispatches one of its van-driving engineers.

Cadent is required to get one of its engineers to the scene within an hour (for uncontrolled escapes). Cadent may also dispatch one of its motorbike riders, particularly if there is any concern that traffic may hinder the van driver’s route.

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A trial in Manchester found Cadent’s bike team was able to get to some incidents up to 50 per cent faster than vans. The motorbike engineer carries enough tools on the bike to assess the situation and make everything safe.