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

  • SES America’s solar powered VMS operates anytime, anywhere
    August 24, 2016
    SES America’s solar-powered variable message (VMS) sign comes in a wide range of types and models, including eight, 12 and 18-inch characters and front, rear or walk-in access and is suitable for deployment in most applications including rural areas, heavily congested roads, evacuation routes and seasonal traffic.
  • The future looks bright for ITS
    June 4, 2015
    Professor Eric Sampson talks about the past successes of ITS, its potential for the future and the challenges the industry faces. If anybody should know when Intelligent Transport Systems started that person is Professor Eric Sampson, a visiting professor at both Newcastle and London City Universities. Having spent 40 years working for the UK’s Department of Transport and other public administrations, Professor Sampson now supports the European Commission on ITS systems and advises ERTICO ITS-Europe and ITS
  • Atlanta’s reversible express lanes project opens
    January 27, 2017
    The I-75 South Metro reversible express lane project In Atlanta, Georgia, US, will open this weekend along almost 21km between Highway 138 and Highway 155 on the new double-lane addition to the I-75 median. The lanes will carry traffic northbound toward downtown Atlanta during the morning rush hour and southbound during midday and peak afternoon and evening traffic. Parsons prepared conceptual design reports for the project, including lane configuration and access studies, as well as the environmental
  • Road space utilisation improves travel times, reduces costs
    February 1, 2012
    For major road works schemes, necessary lane closures are timed to minimise congestion, most frequently at night and on weekends when traffic is at its lightest. As a result, rigid timetables are used in planning, programming and implementing work. In the UK, to calculate the expected traffic demand through roads works, historic profiles from the loop-based MIDAS (Motorway Incident Detection Automatic Signalling) system were used. These provided a valuable indicator of anticipated traffic behaviour but were