The first vehicle was deployed earlier this month, with the service expected to be expanded across the country during 2017.
The scheme will run in addition to the RAC’s network of contractors servicing commercial vehicles and will offer a more in-depth service to CV fleets, without the need for a costly and a time-consuming full recovery, taking the vehicle off the road.
The patrols will also play a role in preventing breakdowns re-occurring in some situations, such as flat batteries, as the RAC’s advanced diagnostic tools and technology will find out why it was at fault to stop it happening again.
As well as being fully roadside operational, the patrols will also carry items such as compressors, welding equipment and the latest diagnostics tools to support commercial vehicle drivers.
RAC Truck Rescue spokesman Matt Dallaway said: “We deal with around 100,000 commercial vehicle breakdowns every year, including vans, trucks and trailers, so we know what the most common problems are and a high proportion are fixes that we can do at the roadside.
“We have launched this as a pilot, in expectation of rolling it out in 2017 more widely, as it will mean a significant extension of our capability for commercial vehicle repairs, offering a more in-depth service from a highly trained engineer dedicated to this sector.”
Dallaway added: “Working with our customers in the haulage and logistics sectors for the past three decades, we are well aware of the problems caused by vehicle downtime, which is especially frustrating if it’s unnecessary.
“These patrols are dedicated to our CV customers kitted out with the tools and technology to do the jobs specific to their fleets, and thanks to our network of suppliers we can get the parts we need even if it’s not on the van.”
