The first was a DAF FA LF220 skip loader which, although designed for 16 tonne gvw operation and 2.35m wide (instead of 2.5), is claimed to achieve a payload close to that of many 18 tonners (8 tonnes), thanks to the low weight chassis and Hyva skip equipment.
The second truck was a DAF FAD CF440 8x4 32-tonne tipper with a Wilcox insulated tipper body built on a 'haulage' chassis instead of the conventional 'construction' choice.
Looking at the LF, DAF is using smaller wheels (19.5 inch instead of 22.5), putting it 120mm lower than a standard 18 tonner – and resulting in a usefully lower driving position, which in turn improves the driver's direct vision around the truck.
As for safety kit, this LF was fitted with: Class V and VI mirrors as original equipment; VRU warning signage (by the operator); side under-run protection (bodybuilder); and Intelligent Telematics' left-turn proximity sensors, alarms, and forward-facing and near side door cameras, monitors and hard drive equipment (aftermarket fitment).
Moving on to the DAF FAD CF, using the haulage chassis reduces the vehicle's height by 147mm, due its drop beam (rather than straight) front axles. It also gets front under-run protection, in line with its classification as on-highway.
However, the other big change was an additional window in the nearside door – aftermarket conversion – allowing a direct view of cyclists in the left turn blind spot.
Other safety kit included: Class V and VI mirrors; VRU warning signage; side under-run protection (bodybuilder fitment); Brigade side scan left turn warning system; and VUE four-camera system as well as nearside door camera and monitor.
Phil Moon, DAF Trucks marketing manager, says the trucks demonstrate what can be done to improve freight vehicle safety in urban environments simply by using existing options for cabs and chassis, as well as aftermarket electronic systems.
"In our CLOCS exhibit, we are not saying we have found a complete solution, but are demonstrating what careful choice of specifications can achieve today with a limited compromise to operational flexibility," states Moon.
"More radical solutions may come in time but – unless they are legislated for – safer trucks will need to appeal to the economic good sense of their owners to be adopted widely," he continues.
"The ability to serve in a wide range of roles is important to both first use and resale values and we believe our two trucks on show demonstrate that well," he concludes.
CLOCS - Construction Logistics & Cycle Safety – is a Transport for London sponsored initiative which is promoting safer working practices by the operators of trucks serving the construction industry.