Archive Archives

Intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions providing event support

Posted on 18th December 2013 at 9:12 am.

As a leading provider of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, which are an innovative and cost effective event management tool, MVIS will be attending the Event Buyers Live event in January 2014.

During the event, on 30th & 31st January 2014 in Marlow, MVIS will be showcasing our range of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions which can be used to ensure event traffic flows smoothly, events are adequately lighted and visitors have up to date information whilst also saving on manpower costs.

MVIS supplies VMS solutions which can relay traffic news and warnings to motorists – vital for ensuring a constant and healthy flow of traffic around an event site. They can be updated remotely and feature a five colour matrix which allows the user to display information in red, white, green and blue as well as the standard amber. In addition to the five colour functionality, the VMS are also able to display Chapter 8/ MS4 style pictograms in addition to text. This feature, in MVIS’ experience, facilitates a rapid response from drivers – even foreign motorists who may well be unable to understand text.

MVIS has previously supplied Transport for London with what is believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered variable message signs (VMS) in the world for use during the London 2012 Olympics. Almost 200 units were installed and used to enable athletes and officials to travel safely and efficiently between the venues and their accommodation.

The VMS’ multi-coloured display and the facility to update the signs remotely also makes them an effective event advertising tool. They can be used to promote services which are available at an event or to give the latest ticketing information. Recently, MVIS supplied two VMS-C to Wembley Stadium where they were used to give ticket information to fans at two England football internationals.

Other intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions which can be used to ensure effective event management include the CCTV and ANPR cameras MVIS provide. Both of these camera units can be used to monitor traffic flow and knowing how traffic is building up on a site allows the user to direct traffic quickly and accurately onto routes which will prevent standing traffic.

Adequate lighting is a vital element of ensuring an event is safe and secure. MIVS supplies Solaris 6K LED lighting towers which replace the need for halogen or fluorescent sources and emit large expanses of white, shadow free light. They are capable of running for extended use times and provide great savings on CO2 emissions.

All of the intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provided by MVIS can fitted on a Solar 2012 Multi-Use Trailer Platform, which makes the products portable and available for use wherever they are required, at short notice.

To discuss intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions for event management purposes with MVIS, contact us on 01629 580 570.

Mobile VMS: An effective intelligent transport system (ITS) solution

Posted on 10th December 2013 at 4:31 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

We were delighted to see the coverage that Traffic Technology International (TTI) has given in their latest edition to MVIS‘ championing of mobile VMS as an effective temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solution.

In the article, which reports that there are now “battalions” of mobile VMS being used in the UK for a variety of applications, MVIS managing director Pat Musgrave discusses the benefits of mobile VMS. The units he tells TTI are, “ideal for use in short-term projects, especially those requiring fast installation (for instance due to highway accidents), and also those that require signs to be repositioned throughout their duration (such as evolving roadworks).”

MVIS provides the VMS-C, which is a mobile VMS unit that is versatile, easy to set up and suitable for use in all conditions. Our VMS-C features a five colour matrix which offers the user the chance to display information in red, green, blue and white as well as in the standard amber. Our VMS are all capable of displaying Chapter 8/ MS4 style pictograms, as well as text. This makes them an excellent temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solution as they facilitate a rapid response from all drivers – even foreign motorists who may not be able to understand text.

The TTI article also recounts the zero shunt rate recorded by A-One+ who used mobile VMS, from MVIS, whilst recently undertaking a refurbishment of the A1 western bypass between Newcastle and Gateshead. Ten VMS-C units were installed for the duration of the project and the display was remotely switched between speed roundels and three color pictograms in the event of standing traffic.

A-One+ attributes the recording of no standing traffic incidents directly to the mobile VMS provided by MVIS, with their manager of operations, Ian Lee telling TTI, “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”.

As a leading provider of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS is always looking to bring new products to the market which can provide valuable assistance with traffic management. One such intelligent transport system (ITS) solution is the Portable Solar Powered Journey Time Solution (SPJTS) , which takes the Skyhawk Integrated ANPR camera, a VMS-A display and the Solar 2012 Multi Use Platform 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.

To discuss mobile VMS or any other products with intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider MVIS, contact us on 01629 580 570.

Intelligent transport system (ITS): national infrastructure potential

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

Written by Ben Kettell

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions: Highways Aug/Sept 2013

Posted on 12th September 2013 at 9:43 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

The intelligent transport system (ITS) sector is one of the fastest growing in the highways industry.

As the number of vehicles using the UK’s roads grows, so too does demand for intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions to help the network operate efficiently.

In his June spending review, George Osborne announced the government’s biggest programme of roads investment for 40 years. £28 billion of investment, including a trebling of funding for motorways and major A-roads, will lead to the biggest ever upgrade of the existing network.

Long-term, the investment will result in a more efficient road network, and the enhanced infrastructure will have beneficial ramifications throughout the economy. But short-term, the immediate consequence will be a proliferation of roadworks, the potential for a rise in the number of disrupted private journeys, and an impeded commercial distribution system.

In order to minimise the disruption anticipated, highways managers are looking to a new generation of temporary journey time intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions to provide road users with an effective real-time information service.

A market leader in temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, Mobile Visual Information Systems Ltd (MVIS) is well placed to comment on the booming intelligent transport system (ITS) and signs market.

Said MVIS’ managing director, Tony Price: “As the volume of traffic on the UK’s road network grows, permanent intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions are being utilised to help increase the capacity of our highways.

“The M4M5 managed motorway project is one such case in point. The Highways Agency is working to improve journey times between the M4 junctions 19 and 20 and the M5 junctions 15 and 17, by converting the hard shoulder to a running lane for use during peak periods.

“It involves the installation of an intelligent transport system (ITS) solution including cameras and VMS on gantries, which will be used to vary speed limits and permit the use of the hard shoulder as a running lane at peak times.

“MVIS worked in partnership with Vysionics in the development and implementation of a temporary journey time system to inform drivers of the anticipated delays at key decision points prior to the works area, keeping them informed of journey times and enabling them to plan an alternative route when necessary.

“As the government’s new investment in the roads network comes into force, the demand for temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, incorporating VMS, will grow, and with this in mind, we’ve developed a new temporary real time monitoring system, the Portable Solar Powered Journey Time Solution (SPJTS).

“The SPJTS was developed in response to interest from a leading infrastructure services supplier, reflecting our ongoing dedication to develop innovative intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions in partnership with public and private sector traffic management organisations.

“It enables road users to make informed decisions regarding how to minimise journey disruption, warning of delays and advising of their extent, providing users with the opportunity to take an alternative route if necessary, and comprises a range of intelligent transport system (ITS) products, including Vysionics’ SkyHawk ANPR cameras, our new Solar 2012 multi-use trailers and VMS.”

As the demand for intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions grows, so too does the significance of issues surrounding the sector. Said Price: “There are many examples of colours other than amber and white being used for road signs around the country. Chapter 8/MS4 style pictograms incorporating red, white and amber are commonplace in many local authorities and on managed motorway networks, and A-one+ is currently using our VMS to provide strategic MS4 style pictograms and speed roundels to support A1 Allerdene Bridge northbound refurbishment works.

“Constant advances in LED, battery and solar technology mean that legislation will always be playing catch up with the latest intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions available. I am pleased to say that In my opinion there has been a noticeable positive change in approach to using new technologies in our industry over the last year. When a product becomes available that can only enhance road worker and road user safety a common sense approach to use appears to be the order of the day.”

New intelligent transport system (ITS) satellite solution from MVIS

Posted on 2nd September 2013 at 3:58 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

Leading temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS) Ltd, has enhanced its portfolio with the introduction of the Satellite Broadband Solution (SBS).

The SBS is a static satellite intelligent transport system (ITS) solution, created specifically for the rigorous demands of remote high speed satellite internet.

This state of the art SBS intelligent transport system (ITS) solution is deployed using a static mount that can either be secured to a structure using a wall mount or placed on a self supporting ground stand. Commercial grade engineering and components allow the SBS to operate in all weather conditions, in some of the harshest environments.

Once set up, the SBS intelligent transport system (ITS) solution provides an ‘Always Open’ broadband connection that boasts an uptime of 99.97%.

New intelligent transport system (ITS) journey time solution

Posted on 6th August 2013 at 9:03 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Short-term, the immediate consequence will be a proliferation of roadworks. In order to minimise the disruption anticipated, highways managers are looking to a new generation of innovative temporary journey time intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions to provide road users with an effective journey time information service.

Mobile Visual Information Systems Ltd (MVIS) is a market leader in temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, and has developed a new temporary journey time system, the Portable Solar Powered Journey Time Solution (SPJTS).

The SPJTS intelligent transport system (ITS) solution incorporates the latest software and hardware technology, providing users with a comprehensive cost-effective and stand-alone solution for short-term road works projects.

MVIS’ SPJTS intelligent transport system (ITS) solution is portable and solar powered, and so may be quickly and easily installed without the need for civil engineering or external power provision. As such, it is a cost-effective and stand-alone solution for short-term road works.

This intelligent transport system (ITS) solution enables road users to make informed decisions regarding how to minimise journey disruption, warning of delays and advising of their extent, providing users with the opportunity to take an alternative route if necessary.

The SPJTS intelligent transport system (ITS) solution comprises two Vysionics’ SkyHawk ANPR cameras mounted on MVIS’ new Solar 2012 multi-use trailers and a Bartco VMS-A. When deployed the system converts information gathered utilising the SkyHawk ANPR system into a message which is viewed by the road user and gives prior notification of journey times through a roadwork scheme.