WJ Linkline Group are investing £3.5m in new road marking trucks in line with its strategy on carbon footprints, pollution reductions and commitment to safer roads for everyone.
As part of that investment, four state-of-the-art 12t DAF Euro 6 trucks with the latest low-exhaust emission technology have already arrived into the Croydon depot for road marking operations on the London Highways Alliance Contracts (LoHAC).
The recent World Health Organisation report highlighted the issue of poor air quality in our cities and the effect on human health with increases in cases involving cardiovascular and lung disease.
In the past, things such as domestic heating from coal in cities would have been the problem but that’s not really the issue any more; it is now road traffic.
Vehicular diesel engines are now regulated and recent Euro 6 legislation continues the drive to reduce harmful exhaust emissions with limit levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) down by 95% and particle matter (basically soot particles) down by 97%, since 1993 with the introduction of Euro 1.
Due to the density of development, air quality is still a concern for UK cities and London in particular, so the latest engine technology that has been designed to meet these new standards and the investments in contracting new vehicles can only emit some good news.
"Running modern equipment saves money and reduces emissions, but also results in fewer breakdowns and less disruption. We plan our operations to be as sustainable as possible, in order to have minimal social and environmental impact whilst still operating profitably; it is part of what we like to call behavioural efficiency," said Wayne Johnston, WJ Group managing director.
"Our road marking trucks are designed and built by our group engineering division to ensure the latest ideas on safety, environment and efficiency are incorporated within a continuous improvement policy."
WJ have also introduced the innovative concept of the rear triple pre-heater system, allowing white, yellow and red markings to be contracted with one vehicle during one site visit. Fewer vehicle movements mean fewer emissions, less fuel usage, reduced congestion at road works and safer roads all achieved with increased efficiency, proving that the simplest ideas work the best.
In addition to low emissions, these WJ Linkline Group vehicles are not only fully compliant with the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), but proudly display side scanners, blind-spot cameras, class VI mirrors and all driven by a workforce trained in Safe Urban Driving And Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) to improve the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
As a contractor involved in the installation of super cycleway lanes in London, WJ are acutely aware of the safety issues concerning vulnerable road users and the measures adopted are all part of the recommendations in British Cycling’s ‘Time to #Choosecycling’ report and the ‘Standard for Construction Logistics’.
WJ have spent over £10.4m in new plants, equipment and training over the last three years and are continuing that trend with further investment. WJ will certainly be in good shape to support the environmental objectives and much needed revitalisation of our highways, which plays such a vital role in the UK’s overall economic recovery.
For more information, please contact WJ Linkline.
