An Essex-based construction materials distributor has acquired two new Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks that will provide enhanced visibility when driving on the streets of London.
Gold Fish Transport’s new 26-tonne and 16-tonne gross weight trucks – the company’s first two Mercedes-Benz vehicles – have begun to deliver to construction and civil engineering sites across the English capital, which have maximum five-star ratings from Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard scheme.
The Econic’s seat is much lower than in a conventional truck, which allows the driver to make direct eye contact with vulnerable road users at junctions and in traffic.
The trucks also have a deep, panoramic windscreen and fully-glazed folding passenger door, as specified by Gold Fish Transport.
Both are powered by 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines, with the 6×2 2630 L producing 300 hp, the 4×2 1827 L some 272 hp, and drive through 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmissions.
Their platform bodies were built in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire by ZJB Engineering.
The trucks were supplied by dealer Motus Truck & Van with funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance.
Motus Truck & Van is now inspecting and maintaining the new Econics at its recently extended and refurbished Thurrock workshop, under a seven-year Mercedes-Benz Complete Service Contract.
Lee Nix, Director at Gold Fish Transport, which is headquartered in Brentwood, said: “These trucks are working almost exclusively in London, where they deliver to major construction and civil engineering sites.
“It’s a challenging environment, in which our drivers tell us the biggest issue they face is dealing with pedestrians and cyclists.
“The drivers are highly impressed with the range of vision they get from the low cab.”
