March 2021

With Palmstead Nurseries’ programme of working towards becoming carbon neutral, two new reduced emissions vehicles have been acquired to replace older, less efficient models.

The new DAF LF 230 trucks were built in the UK at the former Leyland Trucks plant in Lancashire, and feature driveline technology that exceeds the strict ‘Euro 6’ emissions standards. This means our entire fleet will now comply with the requirements for low emission zones in cities including Brighton, Norwich and Oxford, plus of course London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. The vehicles will also be compatible with the planned Clean Air Zone and Low Emission Zone schemes in Birmingham, Southampton and Bristol.

These ‘21’ plate vehicles were ordered to Palmstead’s bespoke specification and are fitted with an array of features designed with the safety of other road users in mind, including several CCTV cameras. Carefully positioned mirrors above the windscreen and on the near side, plus a cutaway safety window in the passenger door give our drivers clear visibility of cyclists and pedestrians.

While Palmstead’s Transport Controller Robin Harris has been able to live track our vehicles for some time, he will now also have live access to the vehicle cameras. All helping to improve delivery efficiency, adapt to traffic conditions affecting ETAs and aid future route planning.

To reduce driver fatigue, the cabs are equipped with creature comforts more normally associated with cars, including air conditioning, DAB radio and a truck satellite navigation device which avoids low bridges, weight restrictions and unsuitable roads.

Automatic transmission means that the trucks will make the most efficient use of engine power, improving fuel consumption figures by up to 6%. The curtain-sided bodies have been designed to carry 22 Danish trolleys or 14 standard pallets, and the tail lifts are fitted as standard with folding safety barriers.

The new vehicles - named Poppy and Primrose respectively -will give us improved flexibility when it comes to arranging deliveries across London and the Home Counties, and we plan on providing updates on their future travels on the Palmstead website.