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.”

Related Content

  • September 15, 2014
    CCTV brings transit safety into view
    David Crawford looks at camera-based vulnerable road users protection systems.Safe and efficient operation of road-based transit depends on minimising the risks of incidents involving other vehicles or vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and passengers boarding or alighting from buses or trams. The extent and quality of the visibility available to drivers is crucial in preventing and avoiding incidents. Conventionally, they have had to rely on fairly basic equipment - essentially the human
  • June 7, 2016
    New VMS from Bartco aids work zone safety
    Temporary solar powered variable message signs (VMS) manufacturer, Bartco UK, has added new two-colour and free-standing models to its range. The HD VMS-C is believed to be the first two-colour VMS of its size to feature a 126 pixel x 84 pixel dual colour matrix. The 2,730mm x 1,850mm high resolution unit
  • August 1, 2014
    Barnshaws’ curved steel post aids motorway traffic flow
    UK company Barnshaws Metal Bending is supplying curved steel posts as part of a motorway sign designed to improve traffic flow on the UK’s new smart motorways. Smart motorways enable the hard shoulder to be used at peak times, creating a temporary fourth lane. Variable message signs (MS4) attached to the curved tubular steel post developed by Barnshaws display information for motorists, including when the hard shoulder is available for use. The design has resulted in faster installation of the signs
  • February 26, 2014
    Lacroix launches new range of multi-colour LED VMS
    Lacroix Trafic will use Intertraffic Amsterdam 2014 to present a wide range of ITS products such as traffic lights, traffic controllers, and data-collection stations, variable speed limit signs, directional lane signs as well as to unveil a new range of multicolour LED full matrix variable messages signs (VMS). Using the latest CMS diode technology means these multi-coloured messages can be viewed at distances of up to 300 metres. The signs are easy to configure, with tool-free maintenance, and of course