Stoke-on-Trent, UK: National Veterinary Services is switching from tractors with flat-floored cabs, to narrower, low-height models in a bid to meet city delivery requirements.
National Veterinary Services lates acquisitions are 11 Mercedes-Benz Actros StreamSpace tractors.
Working from Stoke-on-Trent, the 11 new Actros pull temperature-controlled trailers and service 11 hubs.
E-Star Truck and Van supplied the new trucks, all 2545 models – with 2.3m wide cabs – the narrower of the two widths available – and 170mm engine tunnels.
This combination, together with the Mercedes-Benz MirrorCam technology that has replaced conventional mirrors, and the additional windows fitted in the lower half of the nearside doors mean the trucks rate three Direct Vision stars from Transport for London and will be able to continue operating in London from 2024 onwards.
The Actros 450h engines and are maintained under Mercedes-Benz contract hire agreements.
Phil Bate, transport operations manager, said: “It’s all about recognising and responding to the direction of travel in the industry. Unsurprisingly, our drivers loved the spacious, flat-floored units they were in previously. But they also understand the rationale behind our decision to move to smaller cabs that offer better direct visibility.
“We’ve embraced Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ MirrorCam and other technology because of the tangible benefits it offers in terms of compliance, not only for London but for other towns and cities too. By moving to three star-rated vehicles we’ve effectively future-proofed our fleet.
“We’ve also done everything we can to ensure the safety of our driving colleagues and of the public in general, particularly vulnerable road users, while at the same time specifying a few additional features to make what can be a very tough job that bit more comfortable.”
