CCTV and VMS: A Perfect Partnership In Road Safety

Written by

Traffic managers and local authorities have a responsibility to help keep our roads safe and one of the best ways to keep accidents to a minimum is to present clear and up-to-date information to road users. Find out how our CCTV and VMS technology helps to keep roads safe.

Despite Highways England commitment to reducing the number of people killed or injured while working on our roads to as close as possible to zero by 2040, ‘over the past 10 years, workers have been injured by motorists on more than 50 occasions….’ and ‘12 road workers, including two traffic officers, have lost their lives’. 

We appreciate it’s not always an easy job to keep traffic moving safely and driver frustration to a minimum, but with our innovative CCTV and VMS technology, traffic managers are able to respond quickly to changes in congestion on the roads and display this information to road users. Keeping drivers well informed is crucial in helping to keep roads safe.

Used across a wide range of applications in different industries, CCTV can be especially effective with regards to traffic management. Road users who are aware that their actions could be caught on camera, are more likely to avoid driving too fast or recklessly, reducing the potential for accidents. Furthermore, the nature of the information collected via CCTV, especially when used in conjunction with other technologies such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), can effectively help to prevent and respond to accidents.

Where CCTV can be used

  • emergency roadworks
  • planned maintenance
  • temporary speed restrictions
  • school zones
  • parking management
  • event traffic management

Our VMS units enable traffic managers to effectively update information displayed to road users in real-time, to help keep drivers informed, warn of any upcoming issues and keep congestion moving smoothly.

Benefits of VMS

  • Precision control of communications helps keep traffic moving and people safe
  • High visual impact (especially if a colour matrix VMS used)
  • Can be remotely updated e.g. to show speed restrictions at peak times
  • Flexible and lightweight: they can easily be moved
  • Reliable in all weather conditions
  • Solar-powered and environmentally friendly

All our VMS and CCTV units can also be used in conjunction with our innovative WebStudio™ technology, which allows traffic managers to update their messaging instantaneously on any Wi-Fi enabled device.

Not only are our CCTV and VMS units impactful when used individually, when used together they make the perfect partnership in helping improve the safety of our roads.

See why our customers continue to trust MVIS: “No infrastructure development initiative of this scale will be without any disruption, but we’re pleased to say that so far, not only have we received relatively few calls from road users, but we’ve had some extremely positive feedback from people about the effectiveness of the system.” – Nottingham City Council

If you’d like to know more our about innovative CCTV and VMS units, or are interested in hiring them for your traffic management operation, call our friendly team on 01629 580570 or email us sales@m-vis.co.uk

* https://www.gov.uk/government/news/highways-england-highlights-dangers-faced-by-road-workers  published 4th April 2017.

NTIS DATEX II Portable Travel Time VMS: Pioneering and HE Compliant

Written by

In 2016 we were proud to become the first ITS solution providers to have real-time journey information from the National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC) displayed on VMS, improving the commuter’s journey experience.

We are proud to say that as well as being the first to offer this pioneering solution, we fully comply with Highways England’s (HE) stringent criteria.

Our NTIS DATEX II Portable Travel Time VMS (TTVMS) was created in partnership with HE as part of its Travel Demand Management (TDM) pilot for use on its Manchester Smart Motorway (MSM) initiative.

It’s since gone on to feature in HE’s largest scheme, the £1.5bn A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon upgrade. Displaying  journey times on 26 portable Bartco VMS, the system helps inform 85,000 drivers on average each day of their predicted journey time, assisting them to choose a different route.

During the MSM project, HE issued its supply chain with a new Major Project Instruction, MPI-54-062016, ensuring that schemes of longer than 4km must not only display TTVMS legends on portable VMS to let customers know the travel time to the end of the works, more importantly that consistency is achieved between the information displayed and Strategic Road Network (SRN) fixed VMS.

The data we use is provided by the National Traffic Information Service (NTIS), which validates all data collected from GPS probe devices, ensuring quality and accuracy by comparing the measured journey times and speeds with ANPR and MIDAS data.

Compared to fixed traffic monitoring devices such as ANPR to generate journey time information, there are many advantages to using data from in-vehicle GPS devices, allowing real time monitoring and low latency, granularity of traffic data, improved coverage and less roadside equipment.

To find out more about how MVIS can offer an excellent service across your traffic management system get in touch with our team on 01629 580 570 or email sales@m-vis.co.uk

Trust MVIS to Control Your Communications

Written by

MVIS has been producing industry-leading traffic management technology since its inception in 2012, and one of the most innovative pieces in our product line is our Web Studio™.

Designed to save our customers time and money, Web Studio™ enables instant communication of traffic information from any Wi-Fi enabled Apple device at the touch of a button.

From their device, users can view a map of all the signs they currently have deployed. They can also zoom in, observe and adjust the message that is displayed on any of their signs in line with any developments on the ground.

As our LED VMS displays support the use of pictograms, our Web Studio™ is a great tool to communicate using widely recognised road signs, or, if you’re using the VMS for advertising purposes, they’re great at displaying brand logos and messages. The LED screen means that the VMS units are clearly visible to road users.

The Web Studio™ system supplied is used a great deal by organisations that hire multiple signs including police forces, event managers, local authorities and traffic agencies. But what if you don’t have the time, the manpower or the creative flair to create your displays? Then call on MVIS to help.

The MVIS team have lots of experience in creating eye-catching displays, and they can easily create any number of messages or pictograms for your VMS units should you need them to.

Messages can be scheduled in advance, so you can view and approve the designs and content before they are communicated to your audience to make sure you are 100% happy with them. Plus, as it’s so quick to change a message, should you need to change it for any reason, it’s quick and easy for us to do that too.

Need some inspiration? Take a look at our YouTube channel for examples of what the VMS units can do or call us on 01629 580 570.

Why Hire the HD Quattro?

Written by

As part of MVIS’ variable message signs (VMS) portfolio, the HD Quattro may be our most compact, but it is by no means complacent when it comes to performance.

With a range of uses, this small but mighty piece of traffic management equipment is available to hire directly from MVIS and can be used within a range of environments. Take a look at the type of projects our clients have used the HD Quattro for here.

Safety

If you need to communicate a number of safety messages quickly and efficiently, then the HD Quattro is a great choice.

One MVIS customer hired the HD Quattro to place within a busy depot to help communicate important safety procedures to staff. This helped to remind the workforce of the correct conduct and made sure they were compliant with safety standards. 

Speed Awareness

If your work site requires drivers to operate at a strict speed limit, then the HD Quattro can relay this information instantly to help keep your staff compliant.

In addition, the HD Quattro can be integrated to display speed activated messages, so if a driver does go over the agreed speed limit, the screen will display a warning sign and instruct them to slow down.

As the HD Quattro’s LED screen also supports the use of pictograms, you can also display commonly used road signs which are easily understood by workforces.

Crowd Control

For occasions with high levels of heavy footfall and traffic, it is important that walkways and roads are both clearly marked, and that the information for both is clearly marked and well communicated.

MVIS works with many event management companies, and for events such as festivals or large sports matches, the HD Quattro has been used previously to help display important information such as car park capacity, queue times and locations of places such as ticket offices, lost property and first aid tents.

As these compact units can be used in conjunction with our innovative Web Studio™, you can instantly change the displayed message via any Wi-Fi enabled Apple device including a laptop, iPhone or iPad. This means that should a car park suddenly become full, or a gate closes, you can change the messages displayed on the LED screen to keep the audience up-to-date.

Roadworks

For road work zones – especially on tight country lanes where space is limited – the HD Quattro has proven to be a big hit with MVIS customers.

Doing everything that the larger VMSA and VMSC do but in a much smaller space, the HD Quattro is perfect for spaces where a trailer-mounted unit just won’t fit.

If you would like to hire the HD Quattro for your next project, please call 01629 580 570 or email sales@m-vis.co.uk to find out more.

Solar Intelligent Platform

Written by

The MVIS Solar Intelligent Platform (Solar IP) is a cutting-edge, trailer-based portable power solution designed to support a wide range of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and surveillance technologies. This highly versatile, portable solar CCTV unit provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional fixed installations, delivering reliable off-grid power wherever and whenever it’s needed.

Perfect for temporary traffic management, construction sites, public events, and remote monitoring, the Solar IP enables the fast and simple deployment of CCTV, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), VMS (Variable Message Signs), radar sensors, and contactless traffic monitoring systems. With no need for civil engineering works or fixed power sources, it offers a plug-and-play solution that significantly reduces setup time, cost, and environmental impact.

The trailer-mounted design of the Solar IP ensures effortless mobility and flexibility. It can be easily reconfigured or relocated in response to changing site conditions or project requirements, providing a highly responsive approach to traffic, event, or site management. Whether you’re monitoring vehicle flow, securing perimeters, or delivering live updates to road users, the Solar IP adapts to your needs.

As a solar-powered ‘power bank’, this unit not only delivers clean energy but also enhances the portability of connected devices, granting them extended autonomy without dependency on external power or communications infrastructure. This makes it particularly useful in hard-to-reach or infrastructure-poor locations.

With MVIS’s expert support, customers can build a fully integrated ITS solution tailored to their specific needs. The Solar IP is available for flexible hire terms, allowing you to scale your portable solar CCTV or traffic system up or down with ease.

HD Data Collection Radar

Written by

Introducing the next generation in traffic management technology: the Solar-Powered HD Data Collection Radar from MVIS. Engineered for precision, ease of use, and unparalleled reliability, this cutting-edge radar is an essential tool for comprehensive speed detection, data collection, and traffic management applications. Whether you’re overseeing a construction site, quarry, or any service area, this advanced radar system will provide you with the data you need to optimize operations and enhance safety.

The HD SmartSensor Radar is at the forefront of traffic monitoring technology, utilizing state-of-the-art systems to deliver consistently accurate and reliable data. Its high-definition capabilities enable it to collect detailed traffic information, including queue detection, journey time, and in-depth vehicle analytics. This radar system doesn’t just capture speed; it provides a holistic view of traffic patterns, giving you the insights needed to make informed decisions about your worksite or area of interest.

One of the standout features of the HD Data Collection Radar is its portability and ease of operation. Designed with the user in mind, it can be quickly deployed and set up in a variety of environments. Its solar-powered design ensures continuous operation without the need for an external power source, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for long-term use. The system is also highly versatile, capable of functioning in diverse conditions, ensuring you get the data you need when and where you need it.

Moreover, the data collected by the HD SmartSensor Radar is absolutely vital for understanding road user behavior and demographics. It allows you to monitor the type of vehicles entering your site, providing crucial insights into who is visiting your area and whether their presence aligns with your operational goals. This level of detailed information is invaluable for businesses looking to optimize their services, improve safety, and make data-driven decisions.

In today’s fast-paced world, having reliable, high-quality data is key to staying ahead. With MVIS’s Solar-Powered HD Data Collection Radar, you gain access to the tools needed to fully understand and manage traffic in your area. Whether you’re looking to enhance site security, improve traffic flow, or gather critical analytics, this radar system is your go-to solution. Trust in MVIS to provide you with the latest technology to keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Variable Messaging Signs – Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Q- How are the VMS programmed?

A – The VMS are programmed remotely using our innovative WebStudio™ system which is a web based program which can be used on any Wi-Fi enabled Apple device or personal computer. You can pinpoint the different VMS units you have out on the road and change the display in an instant. Perfect if you need to relay important information to road users or event users quickly and efficiently.

Q – How long does it take to change the message on a VMS?

A – It’s almost instantaneous. Providing you have access to a computer or Wi-Fi enabled Apple device, you can change your displayed message in a matter of minutes.

Q – Can the VMS be tracked?

A – Yes all the VMS are fitted with a GPRS controller which can be tracked via WebStudio™.

Q – Can you upload a message to multiple VMS?

A – Yes. WebStudio™ allows you to group the VMS units together – no matter where they are located – to allow multiple uploads at one time.

Q – Can you upload messages to display at certain times?

A – Yes, the VMS can be scheduled on WebStudio™ to allow certain messages to appear at your requested times.

Q- Can the VMS be programmed on a smartphone?

A – Yes. The VMS can be programmed on any Wi-Fi enabled Apple smartphone or tablet via the Curbsite Lite app.

Q – Can the VMS display pictograms eg, speed roundels and traffic signs?

A – Yes. The VMS can display five different colours (amber, white, red, green and blue) and there is a wide range of pre-saved messages and signs commonly used within the motor industry which can be shared with customers.

Q – Are the VMS and Solar IPs secure when on site?

A – Yes. The VMS and Solar IPS are padlocked in all areas as standard to ensure security on site. They are GPRS enabled so we can see where they are at all times.

Q – Can the VMS be fitted with Radar?

A – Yes. The VMS can be fitted with Radar to enable speed triggered messages.

Q – Do the VMS and Solar IPs have batteries?

A – Yes. They come with solar powered batteries and the battery levels are monitored daily to ensure the products are working at all times.

Q – If I require assistance with one of the products, does MVIS offer an out of hours service?

A – Yes. MVIS offers a 24/7 service to customers. You can contact us by calling 01629 580570 and we guarantee a response within 4 hours.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01629 580 570 or at sales@m-vis.co.uk

 

Safety First with Overheight Integrated Solutions

Written by

For those who work on the road, safety is their biggest concern – especially as the average fatality rate for those maintaining the UK’s road network is one of the highest amongst employment sectors.

Highways Agency statistics showed that work-zone incursions are one of the most significant risks to road workers. Between 2009 and 2013, eight road workers died and 317 were injured whilst working on or near, motorways and major A roads in England.

In response to Highways England’s (previously The Highways Agency) ‘Aiming for Zero’ campaign, and customer concern for the safety of road workers, MVIS now offers the first temporary road safety portfolio of pioneering work zone safety solutions designed to keep road workers safe.

This includes Overheight for those working at height, Safelane for those working on lane closures, and Egress for road workers at exit and entry points.

Overheight

When construction work and scaffolding are introduced onto roadside work zones, overheight workers are at an increased risk of injury from high sided vehicle collisions.

Our Overheight solutions features an Intellicone Sentry Beam – a contactless sensor – which can detect movement in ‘no go areas’ from vehicles over a certain height which would possess danger to the workers should the vehicle continue.

This movement then activates a warning to alert both the driver and the workers. A message alerting drivers to their breach is displayed on a VMS unit, enabling them to turn around and find an alternative route.

Simultaneously, an audible Intellicone Portable Site Alarm sounds to alert the workers, giving them sufficient time to move out of the perceived danger area and into a position of safety.

The Sentry Beam has a line of sight for 50 metres and communicates wirelessly with an Intellicone Traffic Management Unit (TMU) controller which is fitted to a VMS. The user can control the TMU to determine how long the messages are displayed on the sign, and can also override the system to change messages should this be required.

This solution offers road workers and those working overheight, a much greater level of safety. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch at sales@m-vis.co.uk.

Spotlight on the Solar Intelligent Platform

Written by

One of the biggest challenges with traffic management is how flexible you need to be. You need to be responsive to quick changes and as such, so do the products you use.

MVIS’ Solar Intelligent Platform is an innovative product which offers a great deal of flexibility to its user. It can be easily combined with a variety of our temporary intelligent traffic systems equipment, including the ANPR camera, CCTV and radar to offer you the right solution for your project.

It’s mobile, which means it can be easily transported from one location to another requiring no civil engineering or third party communications, offering greater flexibility when managing your project.

The Solar IP does not require an external energy supply so is environmentally friendly. It comes with a 12V, 24V or 48V battery and is recharged using the new 250W solar PV panels. These are designed to optimise ultraviolet light so is environmentally friendly too.

If you would like more information on the cost-effective Solar IP, please get in touch with us on 01629 580570.

How the Solar Intelligent Platform is leading the way in ITS

Written by

In situations that require a combination of temporary intelligent traffic systems, MVIS Solar Intelligent Platform delivers unrivalled flexibility.

This innovative mobile product allows the user to select their preferred combination of any number of items from MVIS’ portfolio of ANPR, CCTV, and radar, with the confidence that the will all work seamlessly with the Solar Intelligent Platform. Further versatility and customization is added by the potential to easily alter the equipment housed in the platform to best meet the user’s needs.

With cutting-edge 250W solar PV panels specifically designed to optimize UV light the system can incorporate a 12V, 24V or 48V battery. This leading technology creates a comprehensive system that does not depend on an external power supply and is also silent in operation.

Its negligible environmental effects, its reliability and its ease to deploy make the Solar Intelligent Platform a perfectly suited option to a large variety of traffic and event management applications.

The lowdown on MVIS Web Studio

Written by

As the world readies itself for smart cities, controlled and governed by centralised networks, MVIS is already putting that power at your fingertips with our Web Studio. This unique sign management system is incorporated into our VMS systems, offering an unprecedented level of control and responsiveness.

Web studio means that traffic can be notified of developing situations from any WiFi enabled device, whether it’s a laptop, smart phone or tablet.

The user is provided with a detailed interactive map of their whole connected system. From there it’s possible to zoom in individually and closely observe the operation of each sign, or to take a further overview and adjust signs as necessary in groups.

Also enabled is the monitoring of radar devices, designed to help with data capture or alleviate traffic congestion. The speed can be set and changed remotely, or even scheduled in advance.

If you have a large number of signs to manage, with the potential for quick changes of situation, Web Studio’s centralized control is essential for you. It’s why police forces, local authorities and traffic agencies continue to work with MVIS and with Web Studio that flexibility is never more than a click away.

Why the MVIS Portable CCTV is right for you.

Written by

When you need to guarantee road safety and speed enforcement our CCTV platform offers all the features to make it a perfect solution. Mounted on a mast, the PTZ CCTV system achieves outstanding video performance while still being removed from immediate environmental danger or physical abuse.

Its portability and easy-use makes the CCTV system a versatile and reliable solution, especially in roadwork zones and school zones, where road safety is absolutely paramount. Operable in both day time and night time conditions the Portable CCTV system boats an impressive minimum illumination as low as 0.0004 lux in night mode. With an array of optical encoders the camera guarantees consistently accurate positioning and repeatability as well as an impressive 10x optical zoom.

For more specialist uses an optional heater will keep the Portable CCTV system functioning in temperatures as low as -40C and its durability is further extended with its toughened glass window. The model is also vandal resistant, offering you complete peace of mind wherever it’s placed.

Mounted on MVIS’ Solar Intelligent Platform the Portable CCTV offers the flexibility and versatility present across our entire range and its ease of deployment means you’ll have it up and running in no time. Solar panels save on power consumption costs and also offer an innovative, ecologically friendly solution to any traffic management application.

Mobile Visual Information Systems

01629 580 570

MVIS, Units 6-8, Brookfield Way, Brookfield Industrial Estate, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 5ND

© 2022. Company registered in England No. 8130402 - Registered Office: Units 6-8, Brookfield Way, Brookfield Industrial Estate, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 5ND