Newcastle City Council has received delivery of the new screed vehicle from Somerford Equipment, a UK-based company that provides road marking vehicles and equipment.

As part of upgrading its highways maintenance fleet, the council has purchased this new screed vehicle.

The new vehicle will be replacing an ageing legacy vehicle that has become unreliable. It will be used to efficiently create road markings on roads throughout the region, including the A69 across to Carlisle.

Highways Maintenance and Operations Communities Directorate at Newcastle City Council highway scheme manager Malcolm Boakes said: “Somerford Equipment was selected after an extensive evaluation as part of the formal tender process.

“The company impressed us throughout, working alongside our frontline staff and providing informed advice and expertise to help scope the specifications.

“The new screed vehicle has already exceeded our expectations, particularly for the highways maintenance team which worked so closely with the company throughout the development and manufacturing process.”

Boakes further added: “Somerford Equipment has provided a vehicle that is clearly focused an allowing us to achieve more in less time.

“It has streamlined highways maintenance and enables us to get jobs done faster, helping to reduce disruption on the road and keep traffic moving.

"The vehicle can also be used by other councils throughout the North East requiring assistance with road lining and marking works.”

"It has streamlined highways maintenance and enables us to get jobs done faster, helping to reduce disruption on the road and keep traffic moving."

The Council further explained that the new vehicle is equipped with a larger capacity pre-heater that would enhance the productivity levels as the time taken between refilling, enabling jobs will be done in less time.

The vehicles on-board gas storage facility features a single point safe-fill system to ensure the highest levels of safety are maintained when topping.

The screed vehicle is also equipped with fully electronic, rear-mounted LED traffic control lights and platform lighting to further enhance the safety of operatives around the clock.