Choosing the Right Traffic Management Vehicle for Your Business’ Needs

From providing a visible platform for controlling traffic flow, to guiding drivers safely through work zones or incident areas, traffic management vehicles are essential for ensuring safety and efficiency on our roads. These specialist vehicles often serve as mobile workshops, carrying tools and equipment for on-site tasks like road repairs or emergency response.

​

Whether you are managing roadworks, responding to incidents, or working to ensure that traffic flows smoothly, having the right traffic management vehicle for your fleet is key. That’s why we’re here to share our top tips to help you navigate the world of traffic management vehicles, and help you to choose the perfect one for your business’ needs. 

​

What is a traffic management vehicle?

Traffic management vehicles include any vehicle that has been specifically designed or adapted to carry out tasks related to the control and regulation of traffic. 

These come in various forms, each with unique features and purposes suitable for the requirements of different businesses. From incident support vehicles equipped to handle emergencies, to roadmender vehicles designed to fix potholes and other necessary road repairs on the go, there’s a traffic management vehicle for every task. 

​

At AKFS, we offer a diverse range of traffic management vehicles, each tailored to specific needs and challenges.

​

How do traffic management vehicles work?

Traffic management vehicles work by providing a visible and mobile platform for traffic control operations. These are typically equipped with safety features such as flashing lights, warning signs and cones to alert drivers to potential hazards and guide them safely through work zones or incident areas. 

Certain traffic management vehicles, like our Drop & Go® Incident Support Vehicle, also have storage lockers for the necessary tools and equipment for on-site repairs and maintenance. 

In traffic management, having the ability to transport equipment efficiently is of the utmost importance, and vehicles like ours eliminate the need for separate transportation of mobile traffic signals and other equipment.

​

What are the different types of traffic management vehicles available, and how do they differ?

We have a number of different traffic management vehicles available, each of which serve distinct purposes.

• Incident support vehicles, like our Drop & Go® Incident Support Vehicle, are necessary for responding to accidents and emergencies. They provide a safe and efficient way to manage traffic flow, clear debris, and assist with recovery operations.
• Roadmender vehicles help to maintain and repair road surfaces, which is essential for driver safety. Our Roadmender Vehicles offer on-site asphalt production capabilities, eliminating trips to the asphalt plant and allowing for quick and efficient pothole patching and utility reinstatements.
• Electric traffic management vehicles are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits and suitability for city centre environments and other built-up areas. Our Electric Drop & Go® Traffic Management Vehicle (E-Tech) is a prime example, offering zero-emission operation and a low-floor chassis for easy access.
• Dropside traffic management vehicles are a versatile option suitable for various tasks. Our Drop & Go® Construction & Traffic Management Vehicle features a low floor and high payload, making it ideal for transporting equipment and materials in both inner-city and major road networks.
• Each designed for different purposes, these vehicles all play important roles in ensuring road safety and efficiency. Choosing the right type depends on your specific operational needs and the challenges you face.

​

What factors should be considered when choosing a traffic management vehicle?

When purchasing a new traffic management vehicle for your business’ fleet, you should consider several key factors – as this is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your operational efficiency and the safety of your workforce.

We’d recommend starting by defining your operational requirements. What types of tasks will the vehicle be predominantly used for? Will it be deployed for incident response, requiring features like those found in our Drop & Go® Incident Support Vehicle to manage traffic flow and assist with recovery operations? Or will it be primarily used for road maintenance, where the on-site asphalt production capabilities of our Roadmender vehicle would be invaluable? Or, if your work involves transporting crews and their equipment, consider the comfort and adaptable storage solutions offered by our Crew Bus. Clearly outlining your operational needs will guide you towards the most suitable vehicle type.

​

You will also need to consider your payload capacity requirements. How much equipment and material do you need to transport? This will help you to determine the necessary payload capacity of your chosen vehicle. As an example, if you need to carry a significant amount of equipment in a compact environment such as a city centre, our Drop & Go® Urban Traffic Management Vehicle offers a class-leading payload capacity without compromising maneuverability.

​

With that in mind, accessibility is another important factor to consider, especially if you operate in congested urban areas or locations with limited access. Vehicles with a narrower profile, like our Drop & Go® Urban Traffic Management Vehicle are designed to navigate narrow city streets and challenging environments with ease.

​

Whichever vehicle you choose, the safety of your workforce should always be at the forefront of your mind. Look for vehicles equipped with safety features such as flashing lights, warning signs, and fall arrest systems. Our Drop & Go® range is designed with operator safety in mind, incorporating advanced fall arrest systems and a low floor design to minimise the risk of accidents during operation.

​

More and more businesses are also considering their carbon footprint. If reducing your environmental impact is a priority, explore electric traffic management vehicles like our Electric Drop & Go®. These vehicles offer zero-emission operation, contributing to a greener future and complying with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

​

Finally, consider if you’ll need customisation added to your vehicle. Do you have specific requirements for storage, equipment, or other features? At AKFS, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we offer a range of customisation options to tailor our vehicles to your exact needs. From tool storage and work lights to kitchen facilities in our Crew Bus, we can adapt our vehicles to enhance functionality and comfort for your workforce.

​

The AKFS Advantage

At AKFS, we have over 30 years of experience crafting high-quality specialist vehicles. We understand the traffic management industry (and its demands!) inside and out, and we strive to provide businesses with solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and reliability. Our diverse range of traffic management vehicles, including the Drop & Go® series, the Electric Drop & Go®, the Crew Bus, and the Roadmender vehicle, are designed to meet the unique challenges of various operations.Contact us today to discuss your needs and explore our range of exceptional traffic management vehicles.