The ease by which the Contraflow drivers can adjust the reversing speed of the Isuzu 7.5 tonne Forward truck, matching the variable walking pace of operatives collecting traffic cones, was one of the principle considerations behind Scottish-based company Contraflow Ltd replacing an incumbent 7.5 tonne truck with an equivalent Isuzu in its 60-strong motorway traffic management fleet.
Transport Manager Jim Gardner said:“By law, when we collect traffic cones from roadworks that are completed, our vehicles are not allowed to drive in the opposite direction to the ongoing traffic.
“As a result, much of this vehicle’s operation is spent reversing along the carriageway. We found that the Isuzu is the perfect vehicle for matching the different speeds of the traffic cone collectors as it travels in reverse, which makes it so much easier for the driver to work in unison with the collectors.”
Currently working out of Contraflow’s depot in Hillington, Glasgow, the new Isuzu Forward N75.190 (E) is the first Isuzu to operate in the Contraflow fleet and was supplied by local Isuzu Truck dealer, Imperial Commercials (Glasgow) Ltd in Govan.
Specified with the Easyshift automatic gearbox, Contraflow’s first Isuzu features a high specification, purpose-built traffic management body built by LVB in Bathgate, Lothian.
In addition to Chapter 8 beacons and illuminated arrows on the back of the body, there are four-fold flashing lights and an integral curtain to cover the rear panel when not in use.
The dropside body also has integral nearside and offside sidesteps from which operators can place cones on the road whilst the vehicle is moving in a forward direction, during the setting up of a traffic management scheme.
“As well as its reversing abilities, we were suitably impressed by the build quality of our first Isuzu 7.5 tonner, as this vehicle will have a long working life in our fleet. The drivers are really impressed by how well the Isuzu performs and it is now out working overnight, seven nights a week providing support for road working teams,” commented Jim Gardner.
Launched in 1987, Contraflow are specialists in local authority and trunk road contracting and traffic management. The Scottish company currently employs over 93 staff at depots in Cumbernauld, Hillington and Perth, and earlier this year they opened a 4th depot, this one based in the north of Scotland at Forres on the Moray coast.
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