The first specialist drainage tanker with the new low-entry, high-visibility lorry cab developed by Scania has been brought to the UK by Lanes Group plc.

The company's new jetting and vacuumation tanker with the new L-series cab, designed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, especially in urban environments.

The JHL RECycler 312 jet vac tanker was shown off by Scania at IFAT from May 14-18, before being delivered to Lanes Group.

Lanes Group ordered the tanker with road safety in mind. The company already holds FORS Bronze accreditation and has invested in an advanced lorry video camera system to ensure vehicles comply with the London Safer Lorry Scheme.

The new jet vac tanker has a 12,000-litre partitioned tank, can filter and reuse wastewater, jets at up to 140 bar (2030 PSI), and lifts 26,200 litres per minute at 60% vacuum. It will be operated by Lanes Utilities, the group's wastewater network services maintenance division.

Lanes Utilities director Andy Brierley said: 'Lanes Group is a health and safety innovator, so it is fitting that we should be the first drainage specialist to operate a vehicle with Scania's new L-series cab.

'The new cab, with its wider and deeper doors and windows and lower seating position, gives drivers a much better view out of the vehicle down to the curb.

'The cab also has a footwell window in the nearside door, so the driver can see cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians who would otherwise be hidden from direct view.

'It will help eliminate some of the blind spots associated with traditional cab designs, especially on the near side of the HGV, which is often at greatest risk of being associated with road collisions.

'This is very good news for road safety, and pedestrian and cyclist safety in particular. It is also a significant step up in safety for our operatives because they can get into and out of the new cab more easily, reducing many slip, trip, and fall risks'

Andrew Jamieson, sales director for Scania (Great Britain), said: 'Traditionally, low entry cabs were restricted to the refuse collection industry but are now being specified for more and more applications'

'The L-series is our response to this demand and we look forward to presenting this attractive and innovative new product to operators in the waste sector'

The jet vac tanker is also fitted with the latest mini video cameras to give the drivers a 360-degree view around the vehicle, plus sensor alarms to alert them to the presence of nearby objects or road users.

The technology has been introduced to comply with the Safer Lorry Scheme, a programme of safety measures brought in by Transport for London and the capital's mayor to make roads safer.

Lanes specialist drainage vehicles travel an estimated four million miles a year to clean, unblock, repair and rehabilitate drains, sewers and similar assets.

The company has a network of 32 depots and strategic utility hubs, providing utility, drainage, and maintenance services for commercial, public sector and domestic customers.