Putting the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians first: Amey unveils its new Front End Loading waste vehicle

Amey is today unveiling its new Front End Loading (FEL) waste collection vehicle which will be operating as part of Amey’s waste collection fleet – improving safety for workers and other road users as well as increasing the efficiency of our collection service.

Amey’s first Mercedes-Benz Arocs Tridem – a 32-tonne, 38m³ Frontpress refuse collection vehicle – will be servicing Amey’s commercial waste clients in Cambridgeshire. Due to its large storage compartment capacity and even bin-loading capabilities, it is ideal for collecting large volumes of solid waste in commercial environments.

This versatile commercial vehicle also makes the collection of waste safer for operatives, as the driver can control the approach and emptying operation using a joystick and infrared technology from inside the cab. This reduces the risk to operatives and eliminates any direct contact with waste materials.

Jon Callaghan, Business Director at Amey, said: “Investing in new fleet and vehicle technological advances ensures that we are delivering the most efficient and effective service for our clients.

“The Faun Frontpress FEL vehicle will be servicing our commercial waste customers in Cambridgeshire and is part of a £12million investment we’ve been making within our fleet. This vehicle not only reduces the risk of harm to our people but also enables us to service larger commercial waste businesses.

“The on-board weighing system records the weight of each container, automatically sending that information back to our data management system. This enables us to provide our commercial clients with accurate data for their waste management records.”

This vehicle – and others in Amey’s fleet across the UK – have the latest cycle safety equipment. Drivers receive an audible warning if a cyclist or pedestrian is attempting to pass between the vehicle and the kerb.

From the cyclists’ perspective, there are clear eye-level cyclist hazard lights, along with an audible ‘turning left’ warning sound and white noise reverse alarm. The vehicle also has LED flashing lights at the front, back and sides as standard.

This technology is not only keeping people safe, but reducing minor incidents and insurance claims and therefore offering cost benefits to Amey and its clients.

The next phase is to swap out all rear operating vehicles in Cambridgeshire to front loading over the course of the next 12months.