Devon County Council has reportedly invested in a fleet of six new John Deere tractors to assist its highway maintenance team in ensuring roads remain safe and passable all year round.
The green and yellow horsepower will be serviced to carry out planned and reactive repairs, emergency response services as well as general maintenance, undertaken by the team at Devon Highways and Milestone Infrastructure.
The six 6R series machines were purchased from local dealer, Masons Kings, which has supplied the County Council for 12, who delivered the vehicles in early December, just in time before Storm Darragh hit many parts of the county last weekend.
Devon highway maintenance
Devon’s highway teams were busy throughout the weekend responding to hundreds of callouts relating to debris on roads caused by severe winds.
Devon’s Network Operations Control Centre received more than 680 calls, with more than 300 of those relating to tree issues, Devon County Council confirmed.
Contract manager at Milestone Infrastructure, Simon Kane, said: “Our relationship with Masons Kings has been instrumental in enabling us to maintain Devon’s roads efficiently and effectively.
“These new tractors are a valuable addition to our fleet, with a specification that meets our needs, allowing us to continue providing high standards of service, whatever the weather or season.”
While agricultural sales consultant at Masons Kings, Peter Endacott, said: “We’re delighted to once again support Devon Highways and Milestone Infrastructure with machinery that meets their needs.
“The reliability and versatility of John Deere tractors make them a perfect fit for the diverse challenges Devon faces in road maintenance.”
Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, Councillor Stuart Hughes, said:
“Storm Darragh has been extremely destructive and I’d say it was one of the most challenging storms I can recall during my 32 years with the County Council.
“Our teams deserve huge credit for their hard work and commitment over the weekend. Everyone has gone the extra mile and I would like to express my thanks to all of our teams on the ground, many working in appalling conditions.”
