Roadworks could be shortened under new trial

A new Maintenance Assistance Vehicle (MAV) that can be used to help replace overhead signs on motorways has been trialled by Highways England.

The vehicle, based on the design of an aircraft catering vehicle, will allow road workers to shut less lanes and reduce the duration of roadworks. If approved and widely adopted, it is believed to be capable of making savings of £4 million a year.

Current road signs can take up to 40 minutes to take down, while the MAV takes only 20 minutes. Additionally, the device provides a safer environment for road workers while they work inside the vehicle, and on a sturdy platform while they work outside it.

Jeremy Bird, head of Health & Safety for Highways England, said: “Safety is our top priority and we believe no one should be harmed when travelling or working on our network.

“Technology has an important role in improving road worker and road user safety and this concept provides an opportunity to not only do this but at the same time reduce disruption on our roads by completing gantry maintenance in less time, and reducing the number of lanes closed to carry out such a task.”