A-one+ is taking decisive action to tackle overgrown verges and greenery on the strategic road network.
The highways service provider has become the first Tier 1 contractor to invest in a UNIMOG following another predictably wet year.
UNIMOG stands for ‘Universal-Motergerat’ which roughly translated means universal motorised implement machine and is a multi-purpose, all terrain utility vehicle designed with extreme off-road capabilities.
A-one+ opted for a dual-cab model with parallel operating long arm, enabling work to be carried out both sides of the carriageway while the vehicle is driving in the safest direction. Versatile de-mountable equipment attachments include: a long arm upright strimmer, spin strimmer for barrier posts, ground mowers, debris blowers, chipper and free zone cutter; allowing for year round use.
Two members of the team from Area 7 in the East Midlands spent a week at South Cave Tractors receiving in-depth training on the complex machinery and attachments with the intention to train at least six other members of staff over the coming weeks so the UNIMOG can be utilised throughout the network.
A-one+ general manager, Doug Coutts, said: “Area 7 is right to be proud of this latest addition to our team. The UNIMOG brings with it a wealth of advantages namely: year round network versatility, multi-talented workforce, increased operational productivity and most importantly a safer working environment for our operatives and safer routes for our customers with the added benefit of neat and tidy soft estate areas.”
A-one+ is a three-way joint venture partnership between CH2M, Colas and Costain maintaining and improving some of the busiest road networks in the UK on behalf of Highways England. It covers 945 miles of motorways and major trunk roads spanning the country from the North East through Yorkshire, Humberside and the East Midlands to Bedfordshire.
Andrew Butterfield, asset delivery director at Highways England, added: “We welcome this investment from A-one+. The UNIMOG is a multi-purpose versatile piece of machinery which will clearly benefit our road workers enabling them to work more safely and efficiently, with our road users also seeing the benefits of clean and tidy verges when making their journeys. “
