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

  • I-80 Smart Corridor sets the ITS standard for California's Bay Area
    March 23, 2015
    Colin Sowman looks at California’s ‘smartest’ road which will open this spring to counter congestion and accidents on one of the Bay Area’s busiest interstates. Interstate 80 (I-80) is one of the busiest roads in the San Francisco Bay area with up to 270,000 vehicles using the corridor every day. The section between the Carquinez Bridge in Crockett and the Bay Bridge not only suffers congestion during the working week but also at weekends. Traditional remedies such as building additional lanes (there are al
  • I-80 Smart Corridor sets the ITS standard for California's Bay Area
    March 23, 2015
    Colin Sowman looks at California’s ‘smartest’ road which will open this spring to counter congestion and accidents on one of the Bay Area’s busiest interstates. Interstate 80 (I-80) is one of the busiest roads in the San Francisco Bay area with up to 270,000 vehicles using the corridor every day. The section between the Carquinez Bridge in Crockett and the Bay Bridge not only suffers congestion during the working week but also at weekends. Traditional remedies such as building additional lanes (there are al
  • Active traffic management - challenges and benefits
    April 12, 2013
    Minnesota DoT has built one of the most intensive Active Traffic Management (ATM) systems on the road today. Like many ITS deployments, the state has gained benefits but also faces many challenges, as Pete Goldin reports. Smart Lanes is the brand name of Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDoT) ATM system on I-35W in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The original system covered 16 miles of I-35W south of Minneapolis starting in 2009, and was extended by two miles in 2011. Additional ATM equipment was inst
  • Home Office approval for Redflex HADECS cameras
    April 14, 2014
    Redflex is proud to announce that its RedflexHadecs3 speed compliance camera system has received UK Home Office type approval (HOTA). RedflexHadecs3 is a gantry- or MS4 sign-mounted variant of Redflexspeed radar and is to be used by the UK Highways Agency for their Digital Enforcement Compliance System (HADECS 3) managed motorway project to support the implementation of mandatory and variable speed limits on selected motorways. Cameras mounted to the side of the motorway automatically adjust to the new e