It has also purchased six more Sprinter 313 CDIs – three panel vans and three chassis cabs with dropside bodies by Preston-based Fosters Commercials. Most of these vehicles are assigned to its A-Plant Lux traffic control & management division, although one of the dropsiders wears the livery of Eve, which supplies temporary roadways, walkways and other access systems.
Part of Ashtead Group plc, A-Plant has over 130 Service Centres throughout the UK. It is the first time that welfare vans have featured within its portfolio of non-operated equipment, which ranges from accommodation units, cement mixers and compressors, to excavators, power tools and scissor lifts.
The new vehicles are designed to serve as refuges in which site operatives, many of whom may be working in remote areas, far away from any recognised amenities, can take breaks.
The Sprinter comes as standard with a comprehensive armoury of active and passive safety systems, and the Medium-length, high-roofed 313 CDIs are additionally fitted with high-visibility reflective strips and roof-mounted beacons front and rear, reversing cameras, and battery guards to ensure against any power loss – extra batteries have been installed to run the ancillaries.
Interior fixtures include five seats with three-point belts, a table, a galley with microwave oven and water heated by an on-board boiler, a section for drying wet clothing and an electric flush toilet, as well as an independent heating system
Weight limits mean most 3.5-tonne welfare vans can only travel with four personnel in the rear section, in addition to the three in front. However, the front axle on each Sprinter was uprated at the Mercedes-Benz factory, allowing them to carry five at the back, so eight in total.
The welfare vehicles will be available for spot hire and longer-term rental. A-Plant’s Sprinters are the subjects of Mercedes-Benz Complete Care Service Contracts, and covered by the manufacturer’s Service24h emergency roadside assistance programme.