Independent utility service provider Morrison Utility Services (MUS), has, in conjunction with sister company M Group Services Plant & Fleet Solutions, developed a bespoke and fully-sustaining mobile asphalt unit.

The Roadmender DBP250 features several design innovations, conceived and developed to deliver significant benefits for both clients and the general public.

The operational advantages will include faster closure of works and, consequently, reduced disruption for utility company customers and other road users.

Clients will also benefit from the increased potential for MUS reinstatement teams to undertake work at any time, including out of hours and public holidays, without having to factor in asphalt plant locations and opening times.

The self-sustaining design of the unit will lead to significant environmental benefits including reduced waste material and significantly reduced fuel usage and carbon emissions resulting from fewer journeys to and from asphalt plants.

With space to accommodate all tools, plant, water and equipment, as well as segregated rear storage areas for more than 2,000kg of palletised material and waste material, no trailers or additional support vehicles will be required.

The modified design will also provide MUS reinstatement teams with the flexibility to produce the required quantity of high-quality, hot-mix asphalt on-site, as and when required and at the correct temperature for ideal compaction.

Jeremy Harrison, director of M Group Services Plant and Fleet Solutions, said: “This investment, and the subsequent work that has been undertaken to enhance the unit’s design, provides our reinstatement teams with a tailor-made, purpose-built vehicle totally different to anything currently being used in the UK’s highways.

“We believe that the introduction of this bespoke vehicle will provide a vastly improved service for our clients and a significantly improved experience for their customers who will benefit from faster reinstatement and reduced disruption.

“Safety has also been a key consideration, with the design incorporating several additional features including; bespoke access, egress and fall from height equipment; a system of cameras, side sensors, and audio and visual warning signals to alert both the driver and cyclists and pedestrians; and the fitment of side and downward-facing reverse lights to assist with parking and visibility of pedestrians.

"It is also engineered to minimise manual handling of the material, with no requirement to carry or raise the bags above waist height."