Utilities contractor Gallagher has commissioned a new fleet of 15 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters to join its existing 400 vans.

The 3.5-tonne Sprinter’s high 7.0-tonne gross train weight was a key factor in the acquisition as the business wants to tow a utility trailer to improve efficiency.

Vincent O’Connor, director of Gallagher, said: “What happens all too often in this industry is that the crew will turn up in one van and then be left kicking their heels waiting for another to arrive with the barriers, signs and cones they need before they can get cracking.

“What we have done is design a 3.5-tonne utility trailer which allows us to put plenty of weight on the back while remaining fully compliant. This way, our teams can take all their kit with them and start work straight away. It’s all about improving safety and efficiency, and providing a better customer experience.”

The Manchester-based company, operates primarily in the North and Midlands and specialises in the installation and maintenance of essential water, gas, electricity and telecoms supplies for homes, hospitals and workplaces.

Its 15 new Sprinter 316 CDI models have fuel-efficient 163bhp engines, and are being supplied by North-West Dealer Roanza Truck & Van.

As well as specifying the uprated towing capacity, Gallagher has opted for automatic transmissions to reduce driver fatigue. Underlining its commitment to safety, the new vans are also speed-limited and fitted with dashboard-mounted cameras.

O’Connor added: “Safety is a real concern and we’ll do whatever we can to protect our employees and other road users, having hired-in Sprinter dropsiders in the past we know from experience that they also live up to their reputation for outstanding reliability.”