Ocado Zoom deliveries have been turning up in Highway Maintenance vans, according to shoppers.
The distinctive vans, complete with high-vis chevron livery and orange lights, have been making Ocado deliveries in the Acton area of West London.
One customer wrote on twitter: "Since when have Ocado delivered using vans with Highway Maintenance on the back of them??".
Another said: "Hang on so Ocado Zoom deliveries are being made in Highway Maintenance vans?"
Ocado uses rapid delivery service Zoom, and the vehicles are being sent out from one of its depots.
Due to high demand more vans are being leased, and these have been pressed into service before they can be repainted in Ocado livery. Others are unbranded.
One of the Highway Maintenance vans had a crash with a bus last week, according to The Grocer.
Zoom has had to add more vehicles quickly since the start of October, as its drivers were no longer allowed to use their own cars.
In October Ocado said: "All of our drivers at Ocado Zoom are now part of our permanent workforce with certainty of hours, competitive remuneration, and access to employee benefits that we believe are market-leading".
Have you spotted any of the vans? Let us know in the comments below
An Ocado spokesperson said: "We're thoroughly investigating the cause of this incident but are pleased no-one was injured. We recently leased new vehicles for our Zoom site and are awaiting the branding change for this particular van.”
Many supermarkets and retailers are struggling to guarantee deliveries as the Christmas shopping rush approaches.
Earlier this week The Mirror reported that shops like Next and The Entertainer think next-day deliveries are under threat in the lead-up to Christmas.
The retailers say delivery staff shortages and supply chain issues are to blame, as well as increasing pressure from online orders.
But fortunately there are ways to help bag a supermarket delivery slot even as Christmas approaches.
Firstly, register for updates with your preferred store or stores. Find out when they’re going to be releasing more delivery slots and what the criteria are for booking one.
If you're already a member of their delivery or saver scheme you might get advance booking.
People on the Government’s priority list should still be able to book slots specifically reserved for vulnerable people.
Each supermarket has a Q&A explaining how this works, but in short, if you were shielding over lockdown because you were classed as vulnerable, you should already be on the priority list .
Also it is worth shopping for the trimmings, or emergency back-up items, right now. Yes, you can freeze most of the components of the Christmas dinner – but demand is high this year for alternatives like pork, goose and venison.
You’re entitled to a full refund for any items that aren’t delivered or aren’t suitable so check off that list as the delivery arrives.
To save time, go straight to the ‘substitutions’ section on the invoice. You can reject these items straight away if you're unhappy.
If you’ve been given an assurance that you’d have the big money items – like the turkey – by Christmas, you can make a formal complaint if you think they don't turn up.
