Mitsubishi Grandis first choice for Highways Agency Traffic Officer service

This month (October) sees the Highways Agency take delivery of six Mitsubishi Grandis – the first ever order of MPVs for the agency’s Traffic Officer fleet.

The Highways Agency plays an ever-increasing role in the administration of traffic flow on England’s strategic national routes, with its vehicles now a regular sight on major roads and motorways all over the country.

Already equipped with a large fleet of 4x4s, the agency decided to trial a vehicle that can transport personnel and equipment capably and efficiently from its regional control centres and out-stations to scenes of incidents and other locations where support is required.

To determine whether a two-wheel-drive MPV would best suit this purpose, rather than a fully equipped 4x4, the agency researched the market and assessed a variety of vehicles in order to select the model which would best suit its criteria: To be able to carry at least four personnel in comfort, to hold a range of equipment such as cones, signs and lamps and have minimum impact on the environment.

After careful consideration, the Highways Agency selected the Mitsubishi Grandis Equippe Di-D, with manual transmission, as its first choice of MPV for its Traffic Officer Service. A spokesman for the agency said:

“We identified the need for an additional vehicle that can carry a range of equipment and comfortably transport management and support staff. The payload capability of the Grandis allows us to do this and even gives us flexibility to add more items if required.”

“We also require our vehicles to be as economical as possible and leave a minimal environmental imprint. The diesel-engined Grandis was selected because it best fulfils these requirements and represents good value - very important when spending public money!”

The Highways Agency is no stranger to Mitsubishi, as 46 Shoguns currently make up a third of its 4x4 fleet. It is therefore familiar with the support and back-up provided by Mitsubishi and the excellent three-year, unlimited mileage, warranty that comes with each vehicle.

Another factor which placed Mitsubishi in the front-line for choice was the facility of its specialist installation department. Here the vehicles can be prepared and have all of the equipment fitted and decals applied, before being delivered to the Agency.

Lance Bradley, Sales and Marketing Director for Mitsubishi Motors UK, said: “I am delighted that Mitsubishi has been selected as the first supplier of MPVs to the Highways Agency Traffic Officer Service. Looking at the list of duties these vehicles are expected to perform, I am sure that the Grandis will fulfill the role competently.”