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Nails and other metal objects will be lifted from the hard shoulders of motorways and trunk roads in southern England by a new vehicle equipped with a giant magnet.

The 18 tonne VT800 Series Johnston road sweeper vehicle is equipped with a bar magnet which can pick up an assortment of nails and other metal objects, reducing the risk of tyre damage for drivers. The road sweeper is also equipped with a high-powered brush, high pressure washing system and nozzle and acts as a litter picker, road sweeper and gully cleaner.

Highways Agency project manager, Martin McMahon said:

"Mechanical sweepers are already used to clear the hard shoulder but they sometimes have problems picking up nails or other small fragments of metal. Drivers who need to stop in an emergency and the emergency services who often have to use the hard shoulder will see the difference as this work will help to prevent damage to their tyres.

"The vehicle is exceptional because it has a large bar magnet added to the front of it. It completes four actions all in one visit, sweeping, litter picking, cleaning gullies and picking up metal objects."

Source: Highways Agency News Release (SE72-05)