Key Features to Look For in a Traffic Management Vehicle

January 22, 2025

Known for playing a critical role in keeping traffic moving smoothly and preventing accidents, traffic management vehicles are essential for ensuring safety and efficiency on our roads. These specialist vehicles provide a visible platform for controlling traffic flow, and can help to guide drivers safely through work zones or incident areas. If you are looking for a new traffic management vehicle for sale to add to your business’ fleet, there are several key features that you should be on the lookout for before making your purchase.

What does a traffic management vehicle do?

Traffic management vehicles, such as ours at AKFS, ensure safety and efficiency on our roads. Available for a wide range of uses, these special vehicles serve as mobile command centres, allowing for coordinated traffic flow management and prompt incident response. Typically equipped with flashing lights, cones, and signage, these vehicles create safe work zones and guide drivers, minimising disruptions and maximising safety.

How do traffic management vehicles work?

These special vehicles typically have several safety features that make them effective at their job. These usually include highly visible markings, reflective markings and flashing lights, so that they can be easily identified by other road users to avoid hazards.

Some traffic management vehicles may also have changeable message signs that can display different messages to guide drivers, and cones and barricades used to create a safe working zone and direct traffic flow. On-vehicle lights illuminate the work zone at night and in low-light conditions, making it easier for workers to complete the necessary services.

What are the most important features to look for in a traffic management vehicle?

When choosing a traffic management vehicle, there are various features that you should be on the lookout for. The vehicle should have enough payload capacity to carry all of the equipment your team will need, such as cones, signs and traffic lights. If you are looking for a vehicle that is capable of transporting road repair equipment, you may want to consider a specialist vehicle such as our Roadmender Vehicle, as this makes mixing asphalt on site much easier.

Whichever traffic management vehicle you choose, it should always be one that’s easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and on busy roads. You should also look for a vehicle with various safety features, such as flashing lights, a reversing camera, and a fall arrest system.

What safety features are key for traffic management vehicles?

At AKFS Special Vehicles, safety is of the utmost importance in all of our designs - and our traffic management vehicles are no exception. We’d recommend looking for vehicles equipped with features that enhance the safety of both the operators and other road users. Some key safety features include high-visibility markings, such as bright, reflective markings and lights, to ensure maximum visibility on the road, especially in low-light conditions or adverse weather.

Vehicles with elevated platforms or work areas should have fall arrest systems to prevent falls and protect operators. Reversing cameras and sensors assist drivers in manoeuvring the vehicle safely, especially in tight spaces or when visibility is limited. The vehicle should also be built to withstand the rigours of daily use and offer protection to occupants in case of an accident.

Additional factors to consider when choosing a traffic management vehicle

When selecting a traffic management vehicle for your fleet, try to think of the additional and long term costs. We’d recommend looking into the fuel efficiency of your chosen vehicle, as this will save your business money on operating costs. You should also evaluate the maintenance requirements, opting for a vehicle that is easy to maintain. Finally, consider the vehicle's resale value, choosing one that will retain its value over time.

What are the different types of traffic management vehicles?

There are a variety of traffic management vehicles available, each with its own unique features and benefits.

AKFS Special Vehicles is a leading provider of traffic management vehicles for sale in the UK. We offer a wide range of vehicles that are designed to meet the needs of various businesses. Some of our most popular traffic management vehicles include:

The AKFS Drop & Go® Urban Traffic Management Vehicle, a compact and manoeuvrable vehicle designed for urban environments. It boasts a slim profile for navigating narrow city streets and a low floor bed height for easy loading and unloading. If your business regularly operates in city centres, this one’s for you!
The Ford Transit Drop & Go® Traffic Management Vehicle, built on the Ford Skeletal low-floor chassis, which offers a low floor bed height for easy loading and unloading of equipment and a variety of safety features, such as a fall arrest system and a reversing camera.
The Drop & Go® Construction & Traffic Management Vehicles, designed for use in both inner-city environments and major road networks, have a low floor chassis height of just 550mm, making them ideal for navigating narrow streets and tight spaces.
The Electric Drop & Go® Traffic Management Vehicle (E-Tech), built on the Renault Master E-Tech Platform Cab, which offers zero-emission operation, a low floor height, and a variety of safety features.
The Roadmender Vehicles, designed for on-site, on-demand mixing of asphalt, ideal for pothole patching and utility reinstatements.
The Store & Go®, which offers secure tool storage and transportation, with a usable payload of up to 1100kg.
The Drop & Go® Incident Support Vehicle, designed for rescue and recovery operations, which has a low floor height and a variety of storage options for tools and equipment.

Traffic Management Vehicles for Sale in the UK

If you're looking for traffic management vehicles for sale in the UK, AKFS is your one-stop shop. We offer a wide variety of special vehicles, including the AKFS Drop & Go® series, designed to meet the needs of any business. Our vehicles are crafted with precision and expertise, ensuring reliability and efficiency for your traffic management operations.