Highways England has collected the first of its new fleet of Land Rover Discovery patrol vehicles.
Seventy specially modified fifth generation models will be
on duty supporting traffic officers as they help motorists and keep the roads
flowing, with each vehicle expected to cover more than 250,000 miles over the
next four years.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel SE models have each been given the
iconic Battenburg livery and roof-mounted light array. While inside is a
programmable rear LED board and reinforced load area designed to carry 600kg of
equipment, including traffic cones and safety barriers.
Nick Harris, Highways England Executive Director of
Operations, said having the right equipment and vehicles for its traffic
officers is essential, adding:
“It allows us to deliver the high levels of customer service
and support drivers expect from us while we work to keep England’s motorways
and major A-roads running smoothly round the clock.
“These new vehicles will be a valuable addition to our fleet
and we are very pleased to be continuing our relationship with Jaguar Land
Rover.”
This new fleet is the latest in a long lineage of Discovery
public service vehicles, stretching back to the first generation model in 1989.
Scott Dicken, Jaguar Land Rover Sales Director, said: “For
fifteen years the Discovery has been a trusted workhorse for Highways England,
and it gives me great pleasure to see the latest generation continuing that
legacy.
“We are proud that the Land Rover Discovery has
been chosen to keep the team mobile and equipped with everything they need to
take on the toughest challenges whatever the location, and whatever the
conditions.”
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