Blakedale demonstrating its latest Traffic Management vehicles at Traffex SIB

The UK’s leading supplier of specialist traffic management (TM) and support vehicles, Blakedale, is demonstrating a trio of its latest models, designed to support and protect maintenance crews on urban and rural roads, at the Traffex Seeing is Believing (SIB) show this week (June 27-28). 

Blakedale says normally it would roll out its largest 18 tonne Impact Protection Vehicle (IPV) for such events, but is breaking with tradition by showcasing a compact 3.5 tonne version instead, along with a 3.5 tonne Low Body TM Vehicle, and 3.5 tonne Crew Cab TM Vehicle.

The company’s new City IPV, also known as a Light Truck Mounted Attenuator (LTMA) or ‘mini’ Crash Cushion Vehicle, is one of the first of its kind in the UK. It was launched in November 2017 to provide additional protection for vulnerable work crews on lower speed roads of up to 40mph (64km/h). The physical space constraints associated with working in these environments make the use of traditional, and much larger IPVs, impossible.

The City IPV on display at Traffex SIB is the second produced by Blakedale and has already been earmarked for long-term hire by traffic management contractor Atlas TM. At the rear of a bespoke 3.5 tonne Traffic Management body is an LP13 light arrow board and Verdegro LTMA Crash Cushion, which has been crash-tested to 43mph (70km/h) and is approved to NCHRP 350 standards.

Visitors to Traffex also have an opportunity to view the new Blakedale-designed 3.5 tonne Low Body TM Vehicle. Ideal for the deployment of cones, signage and temporary traffic lights, the vehicle features an ultra-low bed height and payload of around 2,866 lb (1,300kg). This allows operators to step on and off the working area quickly and safely, and removes the need for cone wells. 

Finally, Blakedale has chosen the SIB 2018 event to unveil the latest addition to its fleet, a 3.5 tonne Crew Cab TM Vehicle. With an extra row of seats, this vehicle offers the perfect solution for transporting larger work crews to and from site. The Lancashire-based company offers these and its other vehicles, including 18 tonne IPVs with Red X light arrows, welfare vans and general maintenance vehicles, for short and long-term rental, contract hire and sale. As part of its commitment to highway workers’ welfare, all the company’s Traffic Management Vehicles are equipped with the latest safety features and many are supplied with a recordable multi-camera system as standard. 

“Having supported both Traffex and Seeing is Believing over the years, we are excited to see the two exhibitions combine this year with the first Traffex SIB,” commented Carmen Bowley, managing director of Blakedale. “We have some fantastic vehicles lined up for the show and look forward to gaining further feedback from the industry.”