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

  • ATS study finds school bus stop arm cameras effective in reducing violations
    July 4, 2014
    Analysis carried out by American Traffic Systems (ATS) on routes where its CrossingGuard school bus stop arm cameras are installed found that, while the number of violations on those routes fell by more than 15 per cent during the school year, customers have reported stop arm running violation decreases fleet wide, on all buses. The analysis also finds that less than one per cent of drivers who receive one ticket get a second citation. Both results indicate the camera safety programs are off to a quick
  • Variable speed limits to be introduced in Scotland
    November 15, 2012
    Motorists using the M90 in Scotland will face the country’s first variable speed limits in three weeks time when a new traffic control system is launched on the road north of the Forth Road Bridge. The intelligent transport system, which goes live on 4 December on the M90 northbound, has been installed as part of construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing, which is due to open in four years time. Speeds will be automatically lowered by traffic sensors under the road surface when they detect congestion,
  • All-electronic toll collection success in Denver
    January 30, 2012
    Teri England, Diamond Consulting Services Ltd, describes the E-470's switchover to all-electronic toll collection. In June 2007, the E-470 Public Highway Authority made the business decision to transition to an All-Electronic Toll Collection (AETC) system - in other words, become a cashless road.
  • IAM shocked by the worst speeders in England and Wales
    February 12, 2015
    The UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has lifted the lid on the worst examples of excessive speeding caught on safety cameras across England and Wales in 2014. Britain’s two worst speeders were caught at 146mph, both by Kent Police on the M25, one travelling anti-clockwise, the other going clockwise. There were three other recorded instances of speeds of 140mph or more; 145mph on the M6 toll road (70mph limit), 141mph on the A1 Great Ponton Northbound road (70mph limit) and 140mph on the A5 C