Ben Kettell, Author at MVIS Ltd

Intelligent transport system (ITS): national infrastructure potential

Posted on 4th December 2013 at 5:00 pm.

As a leading supplier of temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS was interested to see that the government has announced plans to raise £25 billion from private insurance companies for use as part of the national infrastructure programme. The funds will be used to build new and improve existing transport, energy, flood, waste and water schemes over the next 10 years.

Included in the programme are 36 major transport projects. A selection of these will be major road network improvement schemes that in the long-term will lead to a more efficient and safer road network. During the construction phase, however, the major effects are likely to be an increase in roadworks, disrupted private journeys and increased journey times for commercial and delivery vehicles.

One of the most effective ways to minimise the potential issues arising from infrastructure development, is the use of temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions which can provide road users with effective, real -time information throughout their journey.

As a market leader in temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS has a range of ITS products which are dynamic and effective aids for highway managers during periods of road construction. One of MVIS’ most versatile ITS solutions is the Portable Solar Powered Journey Time Solution (SPJTS) , which takes a number of intelligent transport system (ITS) products and combines them to make a highly impressive traffic management aid. Using its several features, highway managers are able to monitor traffic and then warn users of potentials delays or, if necessary, suggest an alternative route – ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.

The SPJTS features the Skyhawk Integrated ANPR camera, a VMS-A display and the Solar 2012 Multi Use Platform.

To discuss temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions with leading supplier MVIS, contact us on 01629 580 570.

VMS: intelligent transport system (ITS) solution for cycling crisis?

Posted on 29th November 2013 at 11:33 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

A proliferation of horrific media reports of cyclist deaths in UK cities is ensuring that the issue of cyclist safety is one of the highest profile issues currently facing the country’s transport bosses.

Keen to help highways managers promote the safety of cyclists and indeed all road users, intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS), is championing the potential of temporary variable message signs (VMS).

Temporary VMS can be rapidly deployed to highlight the location of accident hot-spots, warning cyclists and motorists of the need to navigate these areas with extra vigilance. Safety messages can be intermittently featured on temporary VMS, whatever their position and prime function, ensuring that road users everywhere are reminded to cycle and drive with caution. As the country’s network of cycling lanes expands, the temporary signs can also be used to help safely manage traffic around the subsequent roadworks.

MVIS believes that the VMS signs of greatest safety potential are five colour matrix signs, which feature red, green, blue and white in addition to standard amber, as the resulting displays are of particularly high impact and so facilitate rapid road user response.

The intelligent transport system (ITS) company is also an advocate of Chapter 8/MS4 style pictograms, as its experience suggests that conspicuous coloured images are interpreted with particular speed, including foreign road users who are not always able to understand text.

Said the operations director of MVIS, Steve Young, whose intelligent transport system (ITS) company rapidly deploys its five colour matrix signs via a nationwide network of 14 depots: “Cycling is an increasingly popular mode of transport so the issue of cyclist safety as well as that of motorists will not go away.

“As MPs and transport bosses across the country consider ways to fund and develop a safer road network, MVIS is promoting to the sector the immediate, flexible and cost-effective potential of the best temporary VMS.

“Not only can they be quickly deployed, but their high impact visuals are spotted by cyclists and motorists and responded to with speed.

“Yes it’s going to take a long time and a lot of money, not to mention a great deal of political will and high-level discussion, before the UK’s road network is as safe as those of some of its European counterparts, but temporary VMS can be used to great effect now to help improve safety in the short term.”

MVIS recently installed 10 VMS-Cs during A-One+’s northbound refurbishment of the A1 western bypass between Newcastle and Gateshead. Featuring a display that was remotely switched from speed roundels to three colour pictograms in the event of standing traffic, A-one+ credits the VMS with ensuring zero standing-traffic related incidents during their 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.

MVIS’ product portfolio includes a wide range of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions in addition to VMS, including ANPR, CCTV and radar and clients include Transport for London, Balfour Beatty, the Metropolitan Police and numerous events organisations.

VMS from intelligent transport system provider (ITS) MVIS

Posted on 21st November 2013 at 1:06 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

As a market leading supplier of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS has a range of products which are effective for traffic management, events management and advertising purposes. This range includes variable message signs (VMS) which provide high-impact coloured displays.

VMS from MVIS feature a five colour matrix and give the user the choice of using red, green, blue and white in addition to the standard amber. This makes them a highly conspicuous piece of signage which stands out and attracts attention, even in crowd situations.

The versatility of the VMS makes them a high valuable asset in a variety of situations, including for traffic management purposes. As the signs can present Chapter 8/ MS4 style pictograms as well as text, they become a fantastic intelligent transport system (ITS) solution. MVIS has seen that often coloured images, such as the pictograms, are very quickly interpreted by motorists and the information displayed is rapidly acted upon – even by foreign drivers who are not always able to understand text. MVIS recently supplied VMS to A-One+ for using during their refurbishment of the A1 and they recorded a zero shunt rate during the works, compared with the several incidents that took place when they used static signs for a similar project.

The ability of the VMS to display pictograms alongside text also makes them an excellent events management tool. With the five colour matrix display making the signs conspicuous and visible, the VMS are an effective way to provide information to large crowds of people. Using the displays, events organisers can direct crowds effectively around event sites – and the changeable display means information can be updated regularly. Recently, MVIS’ VMS were used by Wembley Stadium to control crowds for the England football internationals against Germany and Chile.

VMS are also an adept tool for advertising purposes. As they can be remotely updated, by SMS or via the internet, they reduce the need for a full team being dedicated to their use as as an advertising tool. This reduction in man power makes them a more cost-effective advertising solution than other methods. For advertising, the ability of the VMS to display the Chapter 8/ MS4 style pictograms is crucial as the high impact display facilitates high customer response and the pictograms will draw in foreign customers unable to read text advertising. VMS have previously been supplied to the Bakewell Show who used them to great advertising effect, boosting significantly the amount of visitors who used the onsite park and ride.

To discuss VMS or any other intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions with market leading supplier MVIS, contact us on 01629 580 570.

MVIS’ VMS to be used for England crowd control and ticket sales

Posted on 13th November 2013 at 12:17 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

As a market leading distributor of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions, MVIS is delighted by the news that variable message signs (VMS), provided by MVIS, are to be used during the upcoming England football international friendlies at Wembley Stadium.

MVIS is supplying two VMS-C solutions for use as part of crowd control and ticket sales efforts taking place for the England versus Chile fixture on Friday 15th November and the England versus Germany fixture on Tuesday 19th November.

The VMS-C that MVIS supply are stationed at depots nationwide so that they can be rapidly deployed to wherever they are required. VMS-C is an intelligent transport system (ITS) solution which is designed to be versatile, easy to setup and operate and is reliable under all conditions.

The messages can be controlled by SMS and the VMS-C is ideal for giving crowds information as it offers a variety of onscreen colour options. The choice of using red, green, blue and white as well as the standard amber, ensures that the VMS-C is visible and conspicious even in large crowds – making it a perfect intelligent transport system (ITS) solution for events such as the one at Wembley.

The VMS-C is also to be used in a ticket sales advertising role before the two England internationals at Wembley. The portable nature of this intelligent transport system (ITS) solution, means that it can be located in prime spots where crowds will be gathered – maximising the chance of extra ticket sales. With an array of colours, the VMS-C always attracts attention and can be used to display ticket sales information in a simple, clean manner and as the display is changeable, information can be altered as the ticket sales situation develops.

As a market leader in intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS is well placed to provide crowd control, ticket sales and other event management products – including CCTV and ANPR. Contact MVIS on 01629 580 570.

Zero “shunt rate” for A-one+ thanks to MVIS’ VMS

Posted on 6th November 2013 at 11:16 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

As a leading temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, MVIS was delighted by the recent news that thanks to the use of a variable message sign (VMS) system, provided by MVIS, during the recent A1 refurbishment there was zero standing traffic related incidents.

The northbound refurbishment on the A1 between Newcastle and Gateshead was carried out by A-one+ and the company firmly believes that the result of no standing traffic related incidents was achieved thanks to the VMS package provided by intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider MVIS.

From July through to August, 10 VMS-C variable message signs were operational. The VMS-C is an innovative intelligent transport system (ITS) solution that features a changeable display, like all MVIS’ VMS they are now available through a nationwide network of depots – meaning they can be rapidly deployed to where they are required. In this instance the signs switched between showing speed roundels and three colour Chapter 8/MS4 style pictograms in the event of standing traffic caused by lane closures. The highly conspicuous display on the MVIS supplied VMS was easily spotted by motorists who reacted accordingly.

A-One+ had high praise for the VMS and the highly visible pictograms they display, especially as when they carried out an identical project on the southbound carriage in 2009, using fixed frame signs, there were several standing traffic related incidents. These were avoided thanks to the visibility of the intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provided by MVIS.

Speaking about the VMS supplied by MVIS, A-one+ incident manager of operations, Ian Lee said:

“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.”

MVIS managing director, Pat Musgrave added: “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.”

MVIS has a wide range of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions which includes ANPR, CCTV and radar. To discuss ITS Solutions, you can contact MVIS on 01629 580 570.

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) given highwaysindustry.com coverage

Posted on 25th October 2013 at 8:24 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

We were delighted to see the coverage given by highwaysindustry.com to MVIS‘ Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions recently. The article focuses on the numerous sporting events MVIS has successfully supplied Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions to since forming in 2012, when P&D Specialist Services and Colour Mobile VMS merged following a joint venture to deliver a contract for London 2012.

In the article it says MVIS has gone onto become a market leader for providing Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions and that since MVIS was formed, the company has delivered solutions for several high profile sporting events.

First of all, it covers what is believed to be the biggest single deliverance of solar powered variable message signs in the world, to the Olympic Route Network last year. Almost 200 units were delivered and were used for traffic management and to keep London running smoothly.

Other sporting event success for MVIS is also covered in the article, including our supply of trailer mounted solar powered Solar 2012 CCTV Cameras to Royal Ascot. This Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solution was used by the Royal Ascot traffic management team to monitor traffic approaching the event and then put into place reroutes – avoiding congestion, minimising tail backs and ensuring customer satisfaction.

In the article, MVIS’ managing director, Pat Musgrave said: “We were delighted to have played a part in the successful operation of the traffic management plan of such a high profile event. The Royal Ascot team understood that a good event traffic management system requires more than simply good signage, and that the incorporation of a range of ITS products, such as CCTV, is essential.”

The trailer mounted solar powered Solar 2012 CCTV camera is a versatile and valuable piece of traffic management equipment. The mast mounted CCTV system delivers excellent frame rates even in areas of poor signal. The rugged design means it is able to withstand rough conditions, or vandalism attempts, and as a valuable part of our Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions is ideally suited to traffic management, road safety and traffic enforcement roles.

MVIS has also recently provided Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions for August’s Prudential RideLondon. The cycling festival was organised to celebrate the Olympic cycling legacy and was attended by 70,000 riders. The event’s showpiece was the London-Surrey 100, a 100 mile race on closed roads. MVIS supplied VMS signs which were used to display travel advice and advanced road closure notice to members of the public.

MVIS’ Pat Musgrave said: “We were delighted to have once again worked in partnership with TfL to develop a solution to help the capital’s road network operate efficiently throughout a major sporting event.”

To find out more about Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions and their traffic management capabilities, visit the MVIS website or contact us on 01629 580 570.

Musgrave takes the helm of MVIS

Posted on 17th October 2013 at 2:30 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

Pat Musgrave formally took the helm as Managing Director of MVIS from the 1st October after Tony Price stepped down to embark on the next stage of his career.

Pat Musgrave says, “As a Director and shareholder of MVIS since its inception, I’m proud to take on the position as MD to continue its growth. Many will know me as MD of P&D Specialist Services with over 25 year’s in the industry. I have a fantastic management team behind me, who know our business and our customers inside and out. Let me introduce you to the team…

Dave Musgrave, Operations Director for P&D Specialist Services and a Director and shareholder of MVIS will continue to give operational support to MVIS.

Steve Young, Operations Director and shareholder of MVIS will continue to support our valued customers in London and the South.

I’m delighted to announce that Anne Ashman, formally our Office and Finance Manager has been promoted to General Manager. Based out of our head office in Matlock she is our main point of contact for customers to discuss invoices, hire, service and operations.

Graeme Lee, our Sales Manager will continue to be our main point of contact for sales enquiries and travels the length and breadth of the UK.

Matt Felce, our Technical Manager, completes the MVIS management team. Matt has further developed our portable solar powered ANPR, CCTV and Radar 2012 systems and is always on hand for technical support for our customers.

P&D Specialist Services and MVIS will continue to be be run as separate entities but under the P&D (Holdings Company) umbrella. This means we can offer even better service for all our customers, sharing best practice and resources when appropriate.

This is an exciting time for the development of both companies and I would like to thank all of our customers and colleagues in the industry for the kind messages of support since taking over as Managing Director of MVIS. We look forward to continued success with you all.”

Regards

Pat Musgrave
Managing Director
P&D Specialist Services Ltd and MVIS Ltd

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) customer wins award

Posted on 16th October 2013 at 9:02 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

MVIS, the market leader in temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, was delighted to see that the Olympic Route Network team won the Road Marking Project of the Year award at the Highways Magazine Excellence Awards, earlier this week.

The Olympic Route Network team was made up of WJ Linkline Group, Euromark, Ringway Jacobs, EM Highway Services Ltd, FM Conway & Transport for London. Having supplied Transport for London with almost 200 solar powered variable message signs (VMS) for the Olympic Route Network, one of many intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions we offer, we were delighted to see all the group’s efforts recognised with the route marking award.

Their work on the road markings, and also on other areas of traffic management, helped to deliver a safe, enjoyable Olympics for all. We are thrilled to have aided their excellent Olympic project by providing intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions to work alongside their road marking work. We look forward to working with Transport for London in the future on more traffic management solutions.

As a market leading supplier of temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS is always keen to work with new traffic management partners to develop new temporary solutions for road networks across the UK.

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) CCTV solution from MVIS

Posted on 10th October 2013 at 1:49 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

Leading temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS) Ltd, has a versatile Trailer Mounted Solar Powered CCTV system in its impressive portfolio.

The Trailer Mounted Solar Powered CCTV is a temporary intelligent transport system (ITS), designed specifically for the job of speed enforcement and road safety, in any location.

This state of the art CCTV based intelligent transport system (ITS), uses the Solar 2012 multi-use platform with a mounted CCTV camera. It’s easy to use, portable and designed to deliver exceptional frame rates even when being used in areas with poor signal levels. Its vandal resistant, high speed PTZ camera is sealed to IP67 meaning the unit can be used in harsh environments and is able to withstand physical abuse and attempts at vandalism.

The solar panelling on this intelligent transport system (ITS) ensures it comes with low wattage and low voltage features and it also boast 360 degree vision and a 33:1 zoom lens, ensuring it has no blind spots.

If you wish to take advantage of the Trailer Mounted Solar Powered CCTV or any of our other intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, call us on 01629 580 570.

Intelligent transport system (ITS) provider MVIS in great shape

Posted on 3rd October 2013 at 10:26 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Leading temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider MVIS was formed in 2012, when Colour Mobile VMS, established three years earlier, was joined by P&D Specialist Services to create the new company.

Colour Mobile VMS had become the first intelligent transport system (ITS) company in the UK to supply colour solar powered mobile variable message signs (VMS), manufactured by Bartco Traffic Equipment, to the UK traffic management, events and advertising sectors.

Colour Mobile’s union with P&D followed a joint venture between the companies to deliver the Olympic Route Network intelligent transport system (ITS) contract for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In what was believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered VMS in the world, the joint venture supplied almost 200 units.

MVIS’ product portfolio now includes a wide range of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions in addition to VMS, including ANPR, CCTV, radar and lighting, and clients include Transport for London, Balfour Beatty, A-one+, the Metropolitan Police and numerous events organisations.

The company began 2013 with the launch of a series of new intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, including a portable solar powered journey time solution (SPJTS) and the Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform, the only product on the market facilitating the mounting of multiple products on a single, solar powered, mobile platform.

The company in excellent shape for the next stage in its development.

Exciting intelligent transport system (ITS) industry news from MVIS

Posted on 26th September 2013 at 9:19 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Tony Price, colour variable message sign (VMS) pioneer and managing director of leading intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS), has stepped down to embark on the next stage of his exciting career.

From October, his role at the intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider will be filled by transport technology contractor P&D Specialist Services’ managing director and MVIS director, Pat Musgrave.

MVIS was formed in 2012, when Colour Mobile VMS, established three years earlier by Price, was joined by P&D to create the new intelligent transport system (ITS) company. Tony’s departure sees MVIS become a P&D Group company, having sold his shareholding to the company.

With Price at the helm, Colour Mobile VMS had become the first intelligent transport system (ITS) company in the UK to supply colour solar powered mobile VMS, manufactured by Bartco Traffic Equipment, to the UK traffic management, events and advertising sectors.

Colour Mobile’s union with P&D followed a joint intelligent transport system (ITS) venture between the companies to deliver the Olympic Route Network contract for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In what was believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered VMS in the world, the joint venture supplied almost 200 units.

The company began 2013 with the launch of a series of new intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, including a portable solar powered journey time solution (SPJTS) and the Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform, the only product on the market facilitating the mounting of multiple products on a single, solar powered, mobile platform.

Said Price: “Founding Colour Mobile VMS, bringing colour VMS to the UK, working with P&D to undertake some of the most exciting intelligent transport system (ITS) projects in the world and developing MVIS’ portfolio, have been some of the most fulfilling experiences of my career to date.

“I’m tremendously proud of what we have achieved, and look forward to watching P&D take MVIS to the next level. Pat Musgrave has over 25 years’ experience in the intelligent transport system (ITS) sector, and is held in very high esteem by customers and peers alike. The company is in very capable hands.”

On his decision to leave MVIS, Price added: “I’ve achieved with MVIS what we set out to do, and am already planning my next challenge.”

Commented Musgrave: “Working with Tony to build MVIS has been a truly remarkable experience. His passion for the intelligent transport system (ITS) industry and work ethic are inspirational, and he leaves the company in excellent shape for the next stage in its development.”

Intelligent transport system (ITS) customer in running for awards

Posted on 19th September 2013 at 9:38 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Highways Magazine last week announced its 2013 Excellence Awards shortlist. Market leader in temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS was delighted to see that the Olympic Route Network Team is in the running for the IHE Team of the Year award and is also nominated in the Road Marking Project of the Year category.

In what is believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered variable message signs (VMS) in the world, MVIS supplied almost 200 units for the network, in an intelligent transport system (ITS) solution that enabled key participants to travel safely, securely and efficiently between venues and their accommodation, while also keeping London and the rest of the UK moving.

MVIS keeps its fingers crossed for the team at the 10th October awards ceremony, and looks forward to working with more transport management partners to develop new intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions for road networks across the UK.