New red ‘X’ variable message sign launched by SHB and Acklea

Acklea, a Division of SHB Hire, will be launching its brand new red ‘X’ variable message sign into the market at the end of April.

The Red X combined with the Scorpion Crash Cushion’s ability to operate at speeds of 58mph – well within the 50mph requirement of IAN 187/15 – will hopefully make it an ideal choice for traffic management contractors in the UK.

The Red X is a variable message sign meaning that it has the ability to display other authorised symbols.

Working in close collaboration, Nissen and Acklea have created a design that aims to be highly beneficial to the UK road network.

The primary focus has been to promote and provide safety to operatives on the networks and in providing a clear instruction and distinct visibility to all road users.

SHB Hire will be placing a RED X variable message sign on to 12 of its 18-tonne traffic management trucks, six of which will be fitted with the Scorpion Crash Cushion.

Phil Glaiser, highways product manager for Acklea/SHB, said: “Red X light boards and IAN 187 have been around for some time now and some contractors have shown a great appetite in having IPV’s capable of deploying the various options.

“As a hire company and a vehicle producer we needed to ensure that we provided a suitable product to the highways industry that promotes safety whilst also being cost effective.

“We have produced such a product along with Nissen which is dynamic. It has the ability to show a multitude of approved signs, therefore being deployable in a variety of applications.

“When it’s complimented with our renowned Acklea Scorpion crash cushion, our robust strong body builds and nationwide service and maintenance coverage it really is a substantial product and one which we are proud of.”

The Red X is just the latest in a long line of new designs to emerge from Acklea in recent times. Following on from the hugely popular lightweight 7-tonne Iveco Daily, which has the space and weight capacity to carry out a full 2 km lane closure, Acklea has also introduced numerous body design developments to ensure safety.

The first batch of vehicles to fitted with the brand new Red X variable message sign are currently being made at SHB’s Romsey and Gloucester depots and will be ready for hire by the start of April.