Skip to main content

VMS pictograms credited with zero “shunt” rate

Zero standing-traffic related incidents were recorded during UK service provider A-one+’s recent A1 refurbishment project, a result the firm attributes to the deployment of a variable message sign (VMS) package supplied by temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS).
November 5, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Zero standing-traffic related incidents were recorded during UK service Provider A-one+’s recent A1 refurbishment project, a result the firm attributes to the deployment of a variable message sign (VMS) package supplied by temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions Provider, 6918 Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS).

During July and August 2013, ten MVIS VMS-C variable message signs were operational during the northbound refurbishment of the A1 western bypass between Newcastle and Gateshead. Featuring a display that switched from speed roundels to three colour Chapter 8/MS4 style pictograms in the event of standing traffic due to lane closures, the signs were quickly spotted and acted upon by motorists.

A-one+ credits the highly visible pictograms with ensuring zero standing-traffic related incidents during the six week installation. When the company undertook an identical project on the southbound carriageway in 2009, using fixed frame signs, there were several such incidents.

Said A-one+ incident manager of operations, Ian Lee:  “Not only did MVIS’ VMS facilitate a rapid message change in response to the quickly changing traffic situation, but the high visibility of the three colour pictograms engendered an instant motorist reaction, promoting the safety of road workers, police and motorists alike. Without a doubt, the zero shunt rate during this year’s refurbishment works was the result of the deployment of MVIS’ VMS signs, with their market-leading software technology.”

Added MVIS managing director, Pat Musgrave:  “MVIS has long-championed the health and safety benefits of its VMS, and is pleased to have been able to demonstrate these to the advantage of the A-one+ project.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • AMG transmission system used in Blackwall Tunnel refurbishment
    May 18, 2012
    AMG Systems has announced it has been selected to supply the transmission solution for the refurbished Victorian-built Blackwall Tunnel under the river Thames in London. The three-year refurbishment programme, costing over US$113 million, is being undertaken by Transport for London (TfL) to bring the tunnel up to European safety regulations. P. Ducker Systems (PDS) is undertaking the task of supplying the tunnel systems for the project.
  • New Hampshire plans for tomorrow’s communication
    August 21, 2017
    Someone once likened predicting the future to ‘nailing a jelly to the wall’. With ITS, C-ITS and V2X technology progressing at such a pace, predicting the future is more akin to trying to nail three jellies to the wall – but only having one nail. And yet with roadways having a lifetime measured in decades, that is exactly what highway engineers and traffic planners are expected to do. Fortunately, New Hampshire DoT (NHDoT) believes its technological advances may be able to provide a solution. The Central Ne
  • Fixed or wireless communications?
    February 3, 2012
    Optelecom-NKF's Coen Hooghiemstra considers the play-offs and pay-offs involved when deciding whether to go for fixed or wireless communications solutions
  • California’s new tunnel has safety features inspired by deadly fire
    November 1, 2013
    A fire in the third-bore of the Caldecott tunnel that killed seven in 1982 led to changes to standards for new tunnels, including the new fourth bore which is due to open later this month.