Bevan-bodiedVauxhall Movano dropside in operation with Traffix (source: Bevan Group)
Bodybuilder and conversion group Bevan Specialist Products has featured in these pages before, thanks to its growing size and commitment to well-engineered and innovative van conversions.
One of the company’s latest models is a Vauxhall Movano dropside conversion designed for traffic management firm Traffix. Based on a L4 long wheelbase Vauxhall Movano chassis cab model, the new Traffix vans include a range of features designed to make deploying signs and temporary traffic lights safer and more efficient.
To eliminate the need to tow trailers to carry portable traffic light systems, Bevan has fitted these vans with tail lifts. A new and bespoke racking system allows the traffic lights to be held in place vertically on the load bed.
The tail lift itself has also benefited from a dose of clever design. The platform is fabricated from mesh to reduce drag while on the move, and the tail lift pillars have LED lighting built into the top in order to replace the traditional horizontal light boards across the rear of previous models.
Traffix Operations Director Derek Vinning played an active role in the design of the new vans and is very pleased with the results:
“I’ve worked with a few traffic management vehicle bodybuilders over the years and there’s no doubt in my mind that when it comes to product quality and workmanship Bevan is far superior to any of them.
“We’ve gradually been able to shed weight, moved from traditional bulbs and halogen lighting to more effective flashing LEDs, and now fit Safe-T-Drop as standard – it’s a fantastic system and very reassuring, because unlike conventional, removable side rail bars, it’s impossible for an operative to forget to use it.”
“There are other companies out there using tail-lifts, but none with a vehicle that rivals the design of ours. When it comes to traffic management, I confidently believe this is as good as it gets.”
Another feature included on the new Traffix vans is Bevan’s patented Safe-T-Drop safety reail system. Rails automatically unfold on either side of the tail lift when it’s lowered, making it impossible for workers to forget to raise them. SImilarly, the dropsides can only be closed when the safety rails are in place, making correct use of the rails essential.