Skip to main content

Greater Manchester gets enhanced signage

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Swarco Traffic are working together on a scheme funded by the Department for Transport under the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) to provide enhanced driver information on roads around Greater Manchester. The scheme is part of the wider LSTF initiative being undertaken by TfGM to enhance network management and provide accurate real time traveller information to the public through a wide variety of media. Full colour matrix variable message signs (VM
April 15, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
817 Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and 129 Swarco Traffic are working together on a scheme funded by the 1837 Department for Transport under the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) to provide enhanced driver information on roads around Greater Manchester.

The scheme is part of the wider LSTF initiative being undertaken by TfGM to enhance network management and provide accurate real time traveller information to the public through a wide variety of media.

Full colour matrix variable message signs (VMS) are to be installed at around 40 key sites. The signs will primarily be used to display journey time, traffic incident information, alternative routing, and network congestion information using either text or graphics (or a mixture of both) to maximise the impact of the message. The signs will be networked back to TfGM’s UTMC system, enabling messages to be set either automatically by timetable and strategy plan, or manually by the traffic centre operators.

Swarco will deploy their latest generation full colour sign which uses a patented lens system to maximise colour contrast, legibility, and uniformity, whilst minimising power consumption, and providing optimal performance in all operating conditions.

According to Swarco, the flexibility of this technology can accommodate a variety of other applications in the future, such as providing parking guidance and displaying full colour images to promote events and provide tourist information.

Related Content

  • April 26, 2013
    ITS asset management matters
    Maintenance of on-road ITS kit needs to become more sophisticated; while new technologies can deliver better road maintenance. David Crawford investigates both sides of the issue "Good information is key to effective ITS asset maintenance,” says Ian Routledge of the Ian Routledge Consultancy (IRC), whose Imtrac (Information Management for TRAffic Control) system is poised for European expansion. Developed as an ‘intelligent filing cabinet’ for storing information about on-road equipment, the online database
  • April 11, 2024
    Lanternn by Valerann sheds light on Irish motorway safety
    Data fusion approach is part of Ireland's Enhancing Motorway Operation Services scheme
  • October 24, 2014
    Workzone safety can be economically viable
    David Crawford looks how workzone safety can be ‘economically viable’. Highway maintenance is one of the most dangerous construction industry occupations in Europe. Research from The Netherlands on fatal crashes indicates that the risk facing road workzone operatives is ‘significantly higher’ than that for the general construction workforce. A survey carried out by the Highways Agency, which runs the UK’s motorway and trunk road network, has suggested that 20% of road workers have suffered injuries from pa
  • December 9, 2021
    Check out latest from Swarco McCain
    As Swarco McCain takes this opportunity to connect with its customers, peers, and business partners, the company is also looking forward to making new friends and forging new relationships here in Charlotte.