Temporary traffic and event management specialist Traffix is now running the first of a new generation of dropside vehicles built by Bevan Specialist Products.

Twelve are already in service with the West Midlands-based company, which has a further 32, including a couple with crew cabs, on order.

All are based on 3.5-tonne Vauxhall Movano chassis. They are the first Traffix dropsiders to be fitted with tail-lifts – 500kg column units by DEL.

Traffix had been using trailers to transport its portable traffic light systems.

However, by utilising the more efficient V-groove side raves introduced in place of the previous floor-fixed lashing rings, Bevan has developed a bespoke, stainless steel racking system in which, having been locked into place, the light posts can be carried vertically on the vehicle bed.

The addition of the tail-lift meant there was no longer room for arrow boards and light bars, a challenge which Bevan overcame by fitting two pairs of strobe lights in recesses at the tops of the specially designed tail-lift pillars.

Other features – also deployed on previous vehicles – include Bevan’s Safe-T-Drop system, which is designed to eliminate any risk of a fall from height by operatives working on the vehicle bed.