Supplied by dealer Marshall Truck & Van, the Croydon-based operator’s new addition joins five other Mercedes-Benz trucks in its fleet.
The 26-tonne Econic 2627L has a lifting rear axle which can also be steered, for enhanced manoeuvrability. The truck’s 7.7-litre six-cylinder engine produces 269bhp and is paired with a PowerShift automated manual transmission. The split dropside body is by Spectra Specialist Engineering, of Wiltshire.
Croydon-based ASA Scaffolding Services undertakes much of its work in the centre of the capital, and the Econic has a five-star Direct Vision rating from Transport for London.
As well as the standard-fit safety armoury, ASA Scaffolding specified a blind spot camera system and sideguard assist.
The camera system has a seven-inch monitor, two blind spot cameras on the exterior mirrors, a front camera and a reversing camera.
Sideguard assist has two short-range radar sensors mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle, which alerts the driver when cyclists or pedestrians are alongside the vehicle.
“We’d heard and read a lot of positive reports about the safety benefits which the Econic offers, and these are clearly well founded. Thanks to its wraparound screen and glazed side door, the view is fantastic, which is particularly beneficial in the middle of the city,” says Lee Tolan, ASA’s managing director.
“Factor in the optional safety aids we’ve added, and you can see how determined we are to protect other road users while also making the job less stressful for our driver.”