Building materials supplier Tarmac is trialling a new concrete mixer that has been designed to enhance the driver's field of vision.

The new Econic concrete mixer has been designed by Mercedes-Benz and features a panoramic windscreen and floor-to-ceiling doors.

This allows the driver to have a clearer view of cyclists, particularly if they approach the nearside blindspot of the vehicle.

The mixer also features a low-entry cab which greatly reduces the risk of slipping, tripping and falling when leaving the vehicle.

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Tarmac is trialling the 26-tonne concrete mixer with 6 metres' capacity at its Silvertown ready mix concrete plant in London.

Sean McGrae, Tarmac's National Transport Manager, said: "We operate the largest vehicle fleet in the industry, and are committed to improving vulnerable road user safety across the UK. The trial of the Econic mixer is part of our broader approach to road user safety.

"We are pleased to be working with vehicle manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz to trial this revolutionary new safety design. As an industry, it's important that we continually explore opportunities to drive improvements in this area."

Tarmac is a leader of the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety Standard (CLOCS).

The company is providing enhanced training for drivers and supporting its contract hauliers with the necessary technical support and education to make both adaptations to vehicles and behavioural changes.

(LM)