The five trucks and their bespoke Legras (France) bulk trailers – four ejectors and a single walking floor – represent a total investment by the North London-based company of some £1.5 million.
The tractors will spend most of their time working between the flagship waste-to-energy plant on LondonEnergy’s 40-acre EcoPark head office site in Edmonton, and a household reuse and recycling centre in Islington. The two facilities are only six miles apart, but the roads are heavily congested, so each unit typically makes the journey five times a day. The trucks will also service the company’s five other recycling centres, and transport wood and green waste to be recycled by third parties located nationwide.
MirrorCam’s compact cameras replace conventional mirrors, providing what is said to be much improved visibility to the rear.
Supplied by Dealer S & B Commercials, LondonEnergy’s new Arocs are the subject of a contract hire agreement with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions. All 2548 models with ClassicSpace M-Cabs, they have 12.8-litre in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 469bhp, and lifting tag axles for enhanced manoeuvrability. They also left the factory with uprated 8.0-tonne front axles, as well as optional, reverse warning alarms and red seat belts.
Mercedes-Benz Safety Packs incorporate the latest Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking technology and Proximity Control Assist. Whereas the previous version relied solely on radar, Active Brake Assist 5 employs cameras as well, to provide improved responses at speeds of up to 50kph. The system can apply full braking – as opposed to the 50% achieved previously – if it detects a pedestrian crossing the truck’s path.
To provide further protection for vulnerable road users, Wisbech-based SB Components installed an extra window in each nearside door, while the tractors and their trailers are fitted with a full complement of safety cameras and scanners that comply with FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) requirements.
The company operates a fleet of 28 trucks. With the exceptions of nine 32-tonne hook-loaders, all are Mercedes-Benz tractor units sourced from S & B Commercials.
Of MirrorCam, LondonEnergy transport & logistics manager Katie Blowes says: “I really like the way the cameras adapt so that, for example, you never lose sight of the back of the trailer as you negotiate a roundabout. As MirrorCam also does away with the blind spots which can be a nightmare in London, it was the proverbial ‘no brainer’.”
LondonEnergy’s Mercedes-Benz trucks are inspected and maintained at S & B Commercials’ headquarters in Welham Green, Hatfield.