Eurovia low loader: safer at night
Working and driving in London, one of the busiest capitals in the world brings many challenges, particularly when driving a six-axle 44tonne articulated tractor unit and low loader semi-trailer with a precious load of asphalt pavers, compactors and streetmasters.
Additional safety considerations have to be taken for the road traffic, cyclists and pedestrians, in day and night operations, which place additional responsibilities on professional drivers.
3281 Eurovia decided to run a safety review to improve the safety, visibility and practicality of their new low loader combination. Eurovia fleet engineer, Chris Dixon, and Eurovia contracting divisional fleet & plant manager, Chris Forrest, worked with Mercedes dealership S&B Commercials and King to create an articulated tractor unit and low loader semi-trailer for Eurovia Surfacing to transport road construction surfacing plant.
Because working in London and surrounding Home Counties often takes place at night, the public's ability to see a unit during loading and in the dark is crucial. The trailer has new LED lighting in the shackle wells to light the entire trailer.
Other safety features include the first semi-slope trailer, designed and built by King in the UK, making loading and unloading easier and reducing the risk of injury. Also, a fall arrest system has been fitted on the neck to prevent falls.
Hydraulic assisted side shift ramps aid loading different widths of plant equipment. There is now a FORS Gold specification side scan and a four-way recordable camera system. Ramps are now forward folding with control units on both sides to enable the driver to work in a safe environment.
In addition to the safety aspects the low loader is EURO 6, meaning reduced emissions to comply with current and future Low Emission Zone requirements. King has also designed the trailer to increase payload, making it more efficient.
Eurovia UK is the parent company of Ringway Infrastructure Services that operates, manages and maintains long-term local authority highway contracts.
Additional safety considerations have to be taken for the road traffic, cyclists and pedestrians, in day and night operations, which place additional responsibilities on professional drivers.
Because working in London and surrounding Home Counties often takes place at night, the public's ability to see a unit during loading and in the dark is crucial. The trailer has new LED lighting in the shackle wells to light the entire trailer.
Other safety features include the first semi-slope trailer, designed and built by King in the UK, making loading and unloading easier and reducing the risk of injury. Also, a fall arrest system has been fitted on the neck to prevent falls.
Hydraulic assisted side shift ramps aid loading different widths of plant equipment. There is now a FORS Gold specification side scan and a four-way recordable camera system. Ramps are now forward folding with control units on both sides to enable the driver to work in a safe environment.
In addition to the safety aspects the low loader is EURO 6, meaning reduced emissions to comply with current and future Low Emission Zone requirements. King has also designed the trailer to increase payload, making it more efficient.
Eurovia UK is the parent company of Ringway Infrastructure Services that operates, manages and maintains long-term local authority highway contracts.
