The two companies worked together to design a van layout that makes it possible for operatives to move between the mid-cab and the rear of the van without having to leave the vehicle directly into the "safety zones" next to live traffic.
Carnell specialises in maintaining and supporting infrastructure and communications across the UK’s major trunk road network, with many of their staff working in challenging conditions. According to Carnell, Clarks Vehicle Conversions was chosen for the project because of its long-established reputation in designing and building bespoke van conversions to a high standard.
The Mercedes Sprinter welfare van has an internal partition wall with a door to separate the mid-cab from the rear so both areas are accessible without the need to leave the van. It will be used by a team of specialists at Carnell who look after drainage systems. Their operators will be able to move from the mid-cab housing an "office and welfare area" to the "equipment and exit area" at the rear.
If required, operatives can also exit the vehicle via the rear doors into the middle of a lane closure instead of against the safety zone and next to live traffic.
'This is a major breakthrough in making lane closure sites safer, not only for our workforce but for road workers across the industry', commented Martin Parry, innovations and business development director at Carnell.
The van also has purpose-built storage areas for Carnell’s specialist equipment and two different electrical outputs to power the survey equipment and an on-board computer.
'Carnell came to us with a clear idea about what they needed to achieve and we were keen to meet that challenge,' added David Healy, finance and commercial manager at Clarks. 'Our conversions are designed with transient workers in mind and you can see how this welfare van will not only improve safety but also add value to what Carnell are doing.'
The van conversion is covered under Clarks’ National Small Series Type Approval for welfare vehicles.