Newcastle Enhances Highways Maintenance Productivity With New Screed Vehicle From Somerford Equipment

Newcastle City Council is upgrading its highways maintenance fleet after taking delivery of a new screed vehicle from Somerford Equipment, the UK’s leading provider of road marking vehicles and equipment. It replaces an ageing legacy vehicle that was becoming increasingly unreliable and will be used to efficiently carry out road markings to roads throughout the region, including the A69 across to Carlisle.

According to Malcolm Boakes, Highway Scheme Manager, Highways Maintenance and Operations Communities Directorate at Newcastle City Council: “Somerford Equipment was selected after an extensive evaluation as part of the formal tender process. The company impressed us throughout, working alongside out frontline staff and providing informed advice and expertise to help scope the specifications. The new screed vehicle has already exceeded our expectations, particularly for the highways maintenance team which worked so closely with the company throughout the development and manufacturing process.”

Newcastle City Council specified the vehicle to have a larger capacity pre-heaters that would deliver extended productivity between refilling, enabling jobs to be carried in less time. The on-board gas storage facility features a single point safe-fill system to ensure the highest levels of safety are maintained when topping. An integrated pedestrian side step well has been included to improve rear access along with railings around the vehicle to meet all health and safety guidelines for working at height. The vehicle is also fitted with fully electronic, rear-mounted LED traffic control lights and platform lighting to further enhance the safety of operatives around the clock.

The new screed vehicle has also been equipped with a canopy that extends around the entire vehicle, making it easier for operatives to work in all weather conditions. Other specifications include extended storage facilities for materials and traffic management equipment and a larger pedestrian hand marking pram that allows more to be done between refilling.

“Somerford Equipment has provided a vehicle that is clearly focused an allowing us to achieve more in less time,” continued Malcolm Boakes. “It has streamlined highways maintenance and enables us to get jobs done faster, helping to reduce disruption on the road and keep traffic moving. The vehicle can also be used by other councils throughout the North East requiring assistance with road lining and marking works.”

Newcastle City Council also specified Somerford Equipment’s comprehensive service and maintenance programme which includes full gas accreditation and certification.