The Environment Agency has taken delivery of two Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles to strengthen its nationwide incident response capability, particularly for flood emergencies requiring rapid deployment of people and equipment.
The specialist off-road trucks will be used to transport excavators, pumps, machinery and other essential equipment to incident sites across the UK, including locations already affected by flooding where access for conventional vehicles is limited or impossible.
Specified to meet the unique demands of emergency response work, the Unimogs are ADR compliant, allowing them to safely carry large fuel cells needed to keep emergency pumps and generators running during prolonged incidents. Their significant wading capability enables them to deliver large pumps and materials directly into flooded areas, supporting continuous operations in challenging conditions.
The Environment Agency tendered for an off-road commercial vehicle capable of operating both off-road and on-road under an Operator Licence, while offering high levels of capability and substantial towing capacity. The Unimog met all of these requirements.
Key features include exceptional ground clearance, portal axles and an advanced all-wheel drive system, allowing the vehicles to traverse terrain that would stop conventional trucks. Combined with their towing performance and ability to operate in deep water, the Unimogs are well suited to emergency response and environmental protection roles.
Ross Paterson, head of special trucks at Daimler Truck UK, said the vehicles would play a vital role in frontline operations. “Adding two Unimogs to the Environment Agency’s incident fleet will help them provide incident response activities to locations needing specialist equipment,” he said. “The support, handover and training provided to the Environment Agency by South Cave Tractors has been exceptional and a perfect demonstration of what we can offer customers.”
South Cave Tractors supplied the vehicles and worked closely with the Agency from the tender stage through to delivery. Abbie Levitt of South Cave Tractors said the project showcased the Unimog’s versatility. “Having been involved from the initial tender, it has been amazing to put together a concept that meets the high demands of this critical role,” she said. “We always knew the Unimog would be the perfect fit with its proven off-road ability, and now also meeting the stringent requirements of GSR safety regulations as a commercial vehicle. Seeing them in action is a proud moment for the whole team.”
The addition of the Unimogs underlines the Environment Agency’s continued investment in specialist vehicles to support resilience and rapid response during extreme weather events.
