Kelly’s on top of their game

The National Roads Authority (NRA) launched a vehicle recovery service for the M50 and M11 on Thursday, November 1st 2007. The aim is to minimise traffic disruption caused by broken down vehicles particularly during peak hours.

The M50 recovery vehicles are a common sight on the dual carriageway

Successful in obtaining the contract for this inaugural contract was Kelly Motor Services, trading as KFG Ltd, in which a free towing service which will run the entire length of the M50 in the Dublin area. The County Wicklow based company has recently taken delivery of four brand new vehicles from Boniface Engineer to service the contract and company managing director Eamon Kelly spoke to Irish Trucker about the new project and gave us an insight to the background of the business.
The service is free of charge, including a 24 hour storage period after which time a charge will be incurred. Estimated response times will average 15 to 20 minutes.

The services being provided includes the provision of a number of different types of recovery vehicles with a minimum staffing of two trained operatives during the designated hours. The contract period is anticipated to be 24 months but may be extended, at the sole discretion of the NRA, up to a maximum of 48 months.
“There were a number of stipulations required before being allowed to apply for the contract, such as a company had to have more than two years experience, while a turnover of more than €2 million per annum was also required,” said Eamon.
“An average of 12 vehicles break down every day after running out of fuel, getting punctures or more serious mechanical faults, leading to added disruption on the heavily trafficked route.

One of the new recovery vehicles bought by Kelly�s for the M50 contract

“Rescued vehicles that cannot be quickly put back on the road will be towed to one of two sites along the M50 where they will be stored for a short period to allow the owner make arrangements to have them removed.”
The NRA has always provided a vehicle recovery service along the active construction sites on the M50, but to maximise its effectiveness from a traffic management stand point they have expanded the service for coverage along the M50 and M11 corridor. Recovery vehicles are now patrolling the entire corridor in addition to having identified stations along the route.
It is no surprise that Kelly Motor Services were awarded the contract as not only have they the experience and personnel to deal with the contract, but its client list is impressive to say the least.

A brand new truck bought by Kelly�s and displaying their colours

“The business was established in 1976 by myself, my brother Liam and sister Eilis. Over the years we have built up a successful business and now employ 16 people. We have contracts with the AA, Dublin Airport fleet, RAC and the Gardai. The work we do with the gardai can vary from picking up abandoned vehicles to store vehicles in forensic sheds that we have,” he added.
Eamon was delighted to secure the new contract for the M50 and revealed that the company purchased four brand new vehicles specifically for this project.

“We purchased a Man heavy vehicle truck, a lighter Renault and two Mitsubishi Canters for the service. As well as looking after the M50, all vehicles breaking down on auxiliary roads will be catered for too. It’s an absolutely free service and is designed to help cut down in traffic back logs, particularly at peak travelling times.”
Eamon has seen many changes in the recovery industry over the years and there has been new legislations introduced on a regular basis, but he feels that despite there being a mountain of paperwork involved in running the business, all the change has been for the good.

“Certainly, the introduction of more stringent laws has helped remove the ‘cowboy’ from this industry and anyone trying to get into the business has to have the proper certs in place. Before this, a lot of operators were not properly covered with the right insurance, but that can’t happen now”

This truck is capable of lifting heavy vehicles

Along with his role as company MD, Eamon is also the chairman of the Vehicle Recovery Operators Committee, which is a subsidiary of SIMI and in this role he is involved with implement the rules and regulations of the recovery industry.
All staff at Kelly’s are sent on refresher courses every year to maintain the standards set by the industry as the company has a reputation that precedes them in quality of service and reliability.

“We have certainly built a decent reputation over the years and it is our main to continue that in the future. Our customers are happy with the service we provide and we intend to continue that trend.
“There are no plans to expand further in the near future and we are happy with our lot at the moment, but who’s to say that won’t change in a few years.”
Kelly’s are at the forefront of their field of expertise for many years and this new contract with the NRA further enhances their reputation in the industry.
The working hours of the Free Breakdown Service is from Monday to Friday: 6.00am to 8.00pm: Saturday and Sunday: 9.00am to 6.00pm
Outside of these hours a call-out service will be provided seven days a week. The free-phone number is 1800 77 50 50.