Skip to main content

Bartco UK launches Queue Detect to help ease congestion

Bartco UK has launched Queue Detect to help ease congestion on roads and highways by informing road users of potential delays and informing drivers of hazardous stationary traffic ahead. It uses frequency modulated continuous wave radar to detect slow-moving traffic which then notifies a central server to activate pre-planned messages on any number of variable message signs (VMS).
December 5, 2017 Read time: 1 min
8321 Bartco UK has launched Queue Detect to help ease congestion on roads and highways by informing road users of potential delays and informing drivers of hazardous stationary traffic ahead. It uses frequency modulated continuous wave radar to detect slow-moving traffic which then notifies a central server to activate pre-planned messages on any number of variable  message signs (537 VMS).


Queue Detect is set with complex algorithms using traffic speed and flow to activate the pre-programmed message which appears instantly on the VMS to advise motorists of the change in traffic conditions.

Once traffic flow returns to the desired speed, the messages are removed from the VMS screen. These messages include warnings, alternative routes and information about keeping windows closed to reduce levels of pollution in cars.

Related Content

  • Seattle's 'Smarter Highways' recognised by ITS America
    January 31, 2012
    The Seattle Smarter Highways initiative has been recognised by ITS America with a Smart Solution Spotlight award for using innovative technology to create a safer, cleaner, more efficient and sustainable transportation system.
  • Communications redundancy increases VMS reliability
    December 17, 2014
    Hybrid communications to variable message signs increase resilience to natural disasters and enable deployment in remote areas, as Alan Allegretto explains. Variable Message Signs (VMSs) are a common sight and a well-proven means to improve public safety on our roads and highways. ITS professionals rank the VMS as second only to interoperable radios as the most important technology to improve effectiveness during emergency incidents and evacuations. Ironically, however, current systems suffer from one criti
  • Australian company to supply VMS for London Olympics
    June 4, 2012
    Bartco, a traffic management company based in Melbourne, Australia, has won a US$1.92 million contract to supply portable variable message signs (VMS) to Transport for London (TfL) for use during the Olympic Games. Some 200 signs display both directional and security advice to motorists about road conditions during the Olympics, as well as the management of special Olympic Route Network traffic lanes.
  • Speeding ambulances through borders
    October 26, 2016
    David Crawford sees hope for stricken patients on the wrong side of the border. In treating patients with heart or stroke conditions, speed is of the essence.