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

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

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.

Feedback from Traffex very positive for MVIS

Posted on 25th April 2013 at 12:21 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

We were delighted to meet so many new contacts at the Traffex show last week. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and talk to us. I can honestly say that this was the most successful trade show I have worked on.

We enjoyed a great deal of interest in MVIS and our innovative ITS Solutions, coming away with over 200 new contacts.

There was particular interest in the exciting Solar Powered Journey Time Solution and our Solar 2012 Multi-Use Platform.

If you missed them, click the links to find out more.

There was a great deal of recognition around our work last year at the London Olympics and Paralympics and this was reinforced with our theme at Traffex.

MVIS is a leader in the field of temporary Intelligent Transport Systems so get in touch to discuss your requirements, we’d love to help!

Regards, Tony Price Managing Director MVIS

www.m-vis.co.uk

Lights, camera…action!

Posted on 23rd January 2013 at 9:43 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

The star quality of MVIS’ lighting solutions was spotted by two major film companies who deployed the products in Manchester and Liverpool during the creation of two blockbuster productions.

As with everything to do with the film industry, the details of the deals remain shrouded in secrecy, but MVIS is able to confirm that its lighting solutions have definitely made a name for themselves with the production companies.

Said MVIS’ managing director, Tony Price: “I think MVIS has a bright future ahead of it in the film industry for many reasons.

“Not only do our LED lighting towers produce superior definition, clarity and colour reproduction, but their mobility and the fact that they are solar powered make them particularly appealing to this sector.

“Solar powered LED towers replace the need for halogen or fluorescent sources, providing huge expanses of areas with white, shadow-free light, without the noise of a generator or the smell of diesel.

“They are also energy efficient, generating light at a fraction of the CO2 output associated with diesel powered lighting towers.

“The products were extremely well-received by the production companies, and MVIS looks forward to winning more deals in this very exciting sector in future.”

Find out more about MVIS’ LED lighting solutions here>

Find out more about MVIS on www.m-vis.co.uk

MVIS launches Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform

Posted on 23rd January 2013 at 8:52 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

A “cost-effective” customer investment

MVIS has launched the innovative Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform, a mobile product allowing the flexible combination of a selection of temporary intelligent traffic systems equipment and event management solutions.

The customer may select their preferred combination of one or more items from MVIS’ portfolio of VMS, ANPR, CCTV, radar and LED lighting ranges, and these will all be accommodated on the Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform.

The combination of equipment housed in the platform may be easily altered to meet the client’s changing requirements.

Based on a 12v battery recharged by the latest solar charging system, including new 250w solar PV panels designed to optimise ultraviolet light in a northern hemisphere environment, the Solar 2012 is not dependent on external energy supply, and is environmentally friendly and silent in operation.

It is simple and cost-effective to deploy, requiring no civil engineering and third party communications.

Said MVIS’ managing director, Tony Price: “The Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform offers customers the opportunity to acquire a single piece of equipment that will accommodate their changing requirements.

“It is a cost-effective investment that will enable highways and events management companies to quickly and easily manage their temporary requirements.

“Already, we are receiving very positive customer feedback.”

For more information about MVIS visit www.m-vis.co.uk

Forest VMS trial success

Posted on 20th December 2012 at 9:46 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Click here to read the full case study on the Forest website»

MVIS’ UK first a sensation at Seeing is Believing

Posted on 3rd December 2012 at 12:45 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

MVIS’ launch of its fully integrated solar powered ANPR system mounted on a fully mobile trailer platform proved a sensation at the recent Seeing is Believing event.

The company believes that the product will transform the temporary ANPR market, and according MD Tony Price, initial market feedback from the show supports this belief entirely.

Said Price: “Visitors to MVIS’ stand were tremendously enthusiastic about the product, which has many applications, ranging from police and security services, rapid ANPR deployment, short-term journey time solutions for smaller road schemes, to event and festival cashless parking operations.”

The Solar 2012 ANPR platform is fully integrated, comprising ANPR cameras, illuminator and processor in one housing, all mounted on a 5m air pneumatic telescopic mast. A full PTZ mounting bracket allows the camera to be set up quickly and easily, using a laptop at the base of the mast. Information from the ANPR system is transmitted via 3G to a back office or a cloud server for instant customer access.

Initial trials on the busy A6 road in Derbyshire have shown a read accuracy rate in excess of 90%. They have also suggested that the new system will operate fully autonomously 24/7 for in excess of 30 days.

As with all MVIS products, the Solar 2012 ANPR is silent, environmentally friendly and cost-effective to deploy, requiring no civil engineering or third party communications.

The Solar 2012 ANPR platform is powered by four 250 A/H batteries and charged by the latest technology solar charging system, including new 250w solar PV panels, designed to optimize ultraviolet light in a northern hemisphere environment. It is capable of powering 12, 24 and 48v DC.

To find out more about MVIS products visit www.m-vis.co.uk

MVIS/SVHL deal promotes wider VMS access and “legislative evolution”

Posted on 3rd December 2012 at 11:48 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Two key players in the traffic management sector have signed a deal that will not only enable wider market access to the latest generation of variable message signs (VMS), but which they hope will also promote the case for legislative evolution facilitating the greater efficiency of the UK’s road network.

Derbyshire based Mobile Visual Information Systems Ltd (MVIS) supplies mobile and solar powered monitoring and visual information systems to the traffic management sector. Its solar powered colour mobile VMS offer a choice of five colours, and the company recently undertook what is believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered VMS in the world, supplying almost 200 units for The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Olympic Route Network.

Safety Vehicle Hire & Lease Ltd (SVHL) from Leicestershire is the specialist rental and contract hire division of leading trailer and truck equipment supplier, 50 year old King Vehicle Engineering Ltd (KVE), and focuses on the traffic management company and local authority market. It specialises in the provision of impact protection vehicles, or “crash cushions”, of which it has the UK’s fastest growing fleet.

Under the terms of the new deal, SVHL has become MVIS’ exclusive rental partner, and will lease MVIS’ VMS via its well established customer network of traffic management companies and local authorities.

Said MVIS’ managing director, Tony Price: “The new rental partnership will support MVIS in its continued market expansion, introducing our five colour VMS system to a wide customer base and further educating them in the benefits of multi-colour products, which allow more rapid user interpretation.

“By building product awareness and demand in this way, we hope that we will ultimately help to encourage the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency to update regulations permitting a greater use of colour on the UK’s roads, facilitating the greater efficiency of the road network.”

Said SVHL’s managing director, Mark Carrington: “The new partnership provides SVHL with a logical extension to its product range. The market for electronic VMS is expanding rapidly, and MVIS is at the forefront of the constantly evolving technology available.

”We look forward to working with MVIS to expanding the market for multi-colour VMS and hopefully in turn to contributing towards eventual legislative evolution.”

For more information on MVIS, see www.m-vis.co.uk

For more information KVE, see www.kingtrailers.co.uk

MVIS launches UK first at Seeing is Believing Show

Posted on 16th October 2012 at 7:47 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Solar powered ITS provider MVIS, will launch at Seeing is Believing a fully integrated Solar powered ANPR system mounted on a fully mobile trailer platform that is set to transform the temporary ANPR market.

As with all MVIS products, the Solar 2012 ANPR is silent, environmentally friendly and cost-effective to deploy, requiring no civil engineering or third party communications.

Applications for this product will include police and security services, rapid ANPR deployment, short-term journey time solutions for smaller road schemes and event and festival cashless parking schemes.

Visit MVIS at Seeing is Believing at Stand 67 Track Area C or visit

www.m-vis.co.uk for more information.

Colour Mobile VMS nominated as one of Derbyshire’s BEST

Posted on 7th September 2012 at 8:57 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Colour Mobile VMS has been nominated for not just one prestigious award at the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce BEST Business Awards 2012, but two! The awards are widely-recognised as a celebration of the very BEST of the county’s business talent, so reaching the finals in two categories is a massive accolade for this Matlock-based company.

Colour Mobile VMS is nominated as one of Derbyshire’s BEST ‘Most Promising New Business’ and for the BEST ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’. Winners will be announced at a glitzy awards ceremony at The Roundhouse in Derby on the 28 September 2012. Whoever wins will automatically be entered into the regional and national Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Established in 2010 Colour Mobile VMS distributes solar-powered visual information and monitoring systems across the UK. Their products provide fast, flexible, cost effective temporary solutions for the road traffic, events and advertising sectors.

Colour Mobile VMS Managing Director Tony Price says:

“I’m thrilled that our team has been nominated for these prestigious awards. The last three years have been a roller coaster ride for us and it is testament to the hard work and perseverance of everyone involved that we find ourselves in this position. It is great timing as we have just completed a major project delivering 177 of our multi-colour solar powered variable message signs for Transport for London (TfL) along the city’s Olympic Route Network (ORN) for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The full list of Derbyshire’s BEST finalists can be found at http://www.dncc.co.uk/news/2356/dncc-unveils-2012-business-awards-finalists

World’s largest deployment of solar powered VMS signs

Posted on 6th July 2012 at 7:45 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Colour Mobile VMS and P&D Specialist Services have completed the deployment of 177 variable message signs for Transport for London (TfL), believed to be the largest single deployment of this type of signs in the world.

The solar powered five-colour portable signs have been positioned along the city’s Olympic Route Network (ORN) for The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The 10,000 mile supply chain saw the companies meticulously manage 22 40ft containers on eight ships from Melbourne, Australia and 14 flights from Hong Kong in just 35 days.

Tony Price, Managing Director of Colour Mobile said, “Delivering this phase of the contract to schedule amid extreme weather conditions, port closures, flight delays and customs issues is immensely satisfying.

We’re certain this deployment of solar powered portable VMS signs onto the ORN has been the biggest of its type in the UK and quite likely globally. We worked closely with delivery partner P&D and Ringway Jacobs traffic management to ensure TfL could begin using the signs straight away.”

The signs are being used to provide information on events, traffic information and Olympic Route Network messages for the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Find out more www.colourmobilevms.com