Another order for Citroën vans has been placed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This year the charity will acquire 160, a mixture of 1.6HDi LX 625 L1 and 750 L2 Berlingos and 1.6HDi L1 H1 1000 Dispatches. It’s standardising on Berlingo for most of its transport requirements, with Dispatch being specified for use on rescue projects involving larger animals. Supplied through Brentford dealer Citroën London West, the newcomers will each remain with the RSPCA for five years/100,000 miles. They’re equipped with air conditioning, hands-free mobile phone equipment, a rear wash/wipe system and rear parking sensors.
The new vans also feature the RSPCA’s recently-developed load area interior. Produced by Vantech, it incorporates a secondary load floor which subdivides the load compartment. Under the floor, and accessible through the vehicle’s rear doors and sliding side doors, are secure equipment storage compartments as well as, at the rear, ladder storage and a slide-out treatment table. Above the secondary floor are a pair of mesh carriers for rescued animals, which can be removed from the van.
As a consequence of this latest order the RSPCA will have some 500 Citroën light commercials in service by the end of the year. They will make up the bulk of its van fleet.
