DAF Trucks is presenting two specialist ‘urban-centric’ trucks at the latest of the CLOCS progress events at London’s ExCel Centre. A 12-tonne DAF LF 180 FA tipper-chassis fitted with a range of active and passive safety features is showcased with a new ‘Cycle Vision’ passenger door from Imperial Group’s specialist conversion company, Mackworth Vehicle Conversion. A DAF LF 260 urban artic in Tradeteam colours completes the pairing, and, with its Don-Bur single-axle ‘urban’ trailer, is spec’d precisely for the testing environment of inner-city operations – challenging for both vehicle and driver.
CLOCS, the ‘Construction Logistics & Community Safety’ initiative continues to champion on-road safety while fostering positive liaison between truck operators and vulnerable road users. DAF Trucks remains one of CLOCS most committed supporters, as its two vehicle exhibits demonstrates.
“With urban deliveries facing ever-tightening controls,” said DAF Trucks Marketing Manager, Phil Moon, “and with an over-whelming array of safety devices from technology providers available for retro-fit, operators have to consider carefully which are the most sensible systems; those which have the potential to save the lives of vulnerable road users and those which do not impact upon the driver’s ability to focus on his fundamental responsibility – driving.”
LF 180 FA (4×2 tipper)
On loan to DAF Trucks from Eurovia’s Ringway division for the CLOCS progress event, this nimble 12-tonner, with its low height chassis riding on 17.5 inch wheels and tight turning circle, is well suited to urban work. This customer vehicle, however, boasts carefully spec’d equipment to improve safety for vulnerable road users – cyclists in particular – while providing unobtrusive, easy-to-use technology for the driver.
The Mackworth Cycle Vision door features a low-height window to the passenger door, providing a clear view of vulnerable road users on the nearside with the added benefit of an audible warning should a cyclist or pedestrian encroach. (Full details of the Mackworth Vison Door are available with this DAF Trucks press pack.)
Further equipment on this DAF 12-tonner include Side Scan technology from Brigade Electronics, a VUE camera system to the rear- and near-sides, RADAR and, an increasingly popular fitment to analyse incidents and accidents with no ambiguity, an on-board event recorder.
The fully-insulated tipper body, with a six-tonne payload, by Mackworth, features a raised gantry, roll-over sheeting and a Red Forge on-board weighing system. Safety features include a fold-down safety rail, three-way security control on the rear-tail, side-rail protection with cycle warning boards, all-round LED lighting and Chapter 8 chevron livery.
The truck will enter service with Ringway immediately after the exhibition. The company is responsible for utilities and highway maintenance for a number of Local Authorities.
LF 260 FT (4×2 ‘urban artic’ tractor)
Ordinarily found weaving its way through London’s streets, this DAF LF 260 FT urban artic is exhibited courtesy of one of the UK’s leading beverage distribution businesses, Tradeteam, part of DHL. This compact and highly manoeuvrable tractor and trailer combination features an extended Day Cab to accommodate driver and two crew members.
Don Bur’s single-axle ‘Teardrop’ urban trailer completes the outfit, together providing a 25-tonne GCW with a generous 14-tonne payload potential.
High manoeuvrability, a prerequisite in the city, is achieved through the compact yet roomy DAF LF Day Cab, courtesy of 19.5 inch wheels to maximise the driver’s view of vulnerable road users. Accordingly, a low bed height suits Tradeteam’s choice of nine- and ten-metre Don-Bur Teardrop ‘urban’ single-axle trailers.
Safety equipment fitted to the truck includes VTech full-front proximity sensor system and five-camera, 360-degree monitoring.
