Traffic Management Archives

Spotlight: HD Compact VMS V.2

Posted on 17th August 2021 at 11:00 am.

Back in June last year, MVIS and Bartco UK were proud to announce the latest version of our revolutionary HD Compact VMS.

V.2 of this unit marked a development on an already ground-breaking advancement in the VMS market.

V.1 of the HD Compact was the first of its kind, offering a light-weight, portable variable message sign designed for use within work zones to improve safety and communicate information. Featuring a dual colour (red and white) display, this VMS can be updated remotely via our web-based portal or mobile app and boasts up to a 4-week run time.

V.2 builds on everything that makes the V.1 brilliant, offering added developments that usher in new and exciting uses of the HD Compact unit. One of the biggest developments to have been seen is the use of solar power, offering highly extended maintenance free run-time and representing a significant upgrade on the V.1.

Another development in the V.2 is the addition of adjustable height for its display, allowing for greater customisation for the application it is being used for. It also features a new casing design that hides all cabling, making it more secure against vandalism or accidental damage.

The new version of this unit also still benefits from the data collection radar integrated in all our signs. This makes our VMS a low-cost alternative to many data collection solutions on the market, offering a data source for the analysis of traffic trends and enabling greater intelligence for planning projects of all kinds.

These developments bring the HD Compact in line with our other solar powered signs, allowing us to offer a fully solar powered VMS range in different sizes.

Along with the V.2 of our HD Compact, we have also been working on a new trailer which allows us to be more efficient in deploying these units, transporting up to 6 in one journey.

Developed with Edwards Trailers, this trailer moves us closer to our Corporate Social Responsibility goal for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly delivery model. It also offers our drivers a more efficient and safer delivery tool, helping to cut down on journeys in a post-COVID-19 world.

For more information about our HD Compact V.2, please contact us via our contact form.

Alternatively, you can call us on 01629 580 570 to speak to one of our friendly team, or you can email us via sales@m-vis.co.uk.

MVIS | Quality Comes Assured With A Promise

Posted on 9th July 2021 at 12:45 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

Founded in 2012, MVIS Ltd are today the UK’s most trusted supplier of trailer- based, solar powered technology such as Variable Message Signs (VMS), CCTV, ANPR and Data Collection solutions.

MVIS sets out to deliver platinum level service for bronze level prices, offering informed and experienced service from its highly trained team, and boasts an impressive range of additional aspects to service that helps distinguish the company from a typical VMS and ITS supplier.

MVIS makes a promise to each and every one of its customers when it comes to quality – an all-encompassing commitment to delivering the very best in terms of both product and service alike.

This dedication is why customers choose to TRUST MVIS & Bartco UK to deliver – time and time again.

A promise of quality: Why choose MVIS?

From products to personnel, MVIS and Bartco UK places the highest emphasis on quality, an ethos showcased in the company’s achievement of Environmental Management, BS EN ISO 14001: 2015, Quality, BS EN ISO 9001: 2015, and Health & Safety, BS EN ISO 45001: 2018, as well as Achilles Building Confidence accreditation and most recently, Constructionline Gold.

Constructionline Gold is further gold standard approval of MVIS’ credentials for environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, modern slavery act adherence and anti-bribery and corruption policies.

Additionally, MVIS is Cyber Essentials certified, as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to its customers when it comes to cyber security and vital data protection.

Anne Ashman, Group Commercial and Operations Director told us:

“Whilst we can preach our commitment to quality, the accreditations we have achieved really cements the claim. We’re extremely proud of the stamps of approval we have gained so far, and we continue to strive to keep raising our ceiling when it comes to quality standards.”

The company’s IMS (Integrated Management System) provides the platform for day-to-day quality practice, and the MVIS & Bartco UK team is fully health and safety trained.

Additionally, only fully trained hiab and slinger signallers are present for delivery, installation and removal, and all MVIS team members are Highways England Passport Trained, and always present with the appropriate and relevant CSCS card.

No exceptions.

Experience & Knowhow

Working on all major Highways schemes, generally managing multiple schemes at once, MVIS holds extensive experience on high-speed works, inner-city works, urban works and events. The company has established a portfolio of works in each of these areas, repeatedly becoming a staple of highly prestigious schemes and events.

The quality shines through, and the extent to which MVIS has featured across such major projects showcases a highly competent, trusted and reliable organisation.

With a customer support line operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the quality of MVIS’ service is simply not in question.

Anne continued:

“The quality promise we deliver ultimately comes from a place of care. True care for our customer and their requirements. We will continually strive to keep improving our products, team, training and systems of operations, as we don’t believe quality is simply achieved or not achieved. It’s the day in, day out dedication to what we do continuing to improve wherever we can for the benefit of our customer.”

Source: highwaysindustry.com

Portable VMS A & C provides the complete Portable VMS solution

Posted on 5th March 2021 at 11:50 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Specialists in Portable VMS hire, MVIS is a staple of the UK’s road network.

With a product range developed to meet all challenges and environments nationwide, the company and its VMS units excel in both high-speed and urban environments.

Here, we take an in-depth look at both the MVIS VMS A & C, their key features, and how they make our network a more efficient and safer place.

VMS-A

The MVIS VMS-A is the ideal solution for urban and inner-city environments. One of MVIS’ most popular units for traffic management applications, the unit’s smaller footprint provides a nimble option in limited space environments.

First put to the test in the baptism of fire that was the London 2012 Olympics, the unit has stood the test of time since that challenging inception, which says all you need to know about the success and popularity of the VMS unit itself.

Undeniably built to last, some of the current MVIS fleet were in fact a part of that first roll out, meaning almost 10 years later the units are still going strong.

With over 180 VMS-A units now on the MVIS fleet, it’s extremely safe to say the product has become an incredibly reliable ‘go to’ option for a diverse range of clientele over the last 9 years.

VMS-C

For the high-speed network, MVIS provides the VMS-C, the perfect solution for roads with a speed limit higher than
50mph.

Efficiency and reliability is the name of the game with the VMS-C, not to mention industry leading innovation and technology.

When travelling the UK’s highways, the VMS-C is a regular sight, and there’s no wonder, with over 228 on the MVIS fleet.

Key features

Both units are equipped with some unique, industry leading features. Here we bring you just a taste:

5 Colour Display

LED screens enable a low power, maximum brightness element to both VMS-A and VMS-C displays, ensuring visibility is absolutely paramount whilst simultaneously managing power output.

Available in 5 colours, the display allows for red, green, blue and white as well as the highways standard – amber.

Solar charging system

Specifically designed for the UK environment, both VMS-A and VMS-C are fitted with solar power units – completely
eradicating the need for external power.

This greener, more sustainable feature showcases the MVIS commitment when it comes to going greener in accordance with the company’s ISO 14001 accreditation.

Tilting Solar Panels

Designed to make the most of the available light, which in the UK we are all too aware can be far from plentiful at times, both portable VMS units can be adjusted when it comes to facing the light to become exposed to solar energy.

The solar charging system is optimised on a technical level also for the UK sun by using the most suitable solar
panels and solar regulators.

Each unit is built with one solar charger per solar panel – not per unit – so optimal charging capacity is present at all times.

This advanced nuance means maximum efficiency for the battery life for the units, keeping the low output LED displays on.

This ultimately means a pair of dependable units to keep Britain moving.

Radar Integration & Journey Time Information

The integration of radar allows for both units to display vital messages, speed alerts and responsive information in relation to driver behaviour, using tried and tested traffic control solutions to then positively influence driver behaviour.

The units discreetly house the data collection radar that can collect information on speed, time and date.

This, in addition to journey time information via the NTIS DATEX II Portable Journey Time Variable Message Sign Solution (PJTVMS) means that both VMS A & C units are delivering key real-time messages to our road users.

Combining data collection and VMS in one unit offers a multi-functional solution that can help collect valuable data at the same time as communicating messages.

Read More About The PJTVMS Here

So, there you have it. Safe, sustainable, innovative and efficient. Packed with precision and industry leading technology, these two portable VMS units leave no stone unturned.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next product focus from MVIS as it continues to keep Britain moving.

ITS Technology Supporting Retails Parks

Posted on 16th December 2020 at 8:15 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

This year we have seen a large increase in demand for our products from industries such as retail for new applications, namely COVID related. However, we have been working with select retail business for a while, predating COVID and demonstrating that our products bring benefits to customers in the retail industry who invest in them.

One retail customer we have been working with for around 5 years now is Middlebrook Retail & Leisure Park in Bolton. Over the years, they have turned to our portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) to help with wayfinding and traffic management applications across their large site. The use of signs in this location has been essential for communicating with drivers and customers across the site, helping to minimise traffic and issues.

This year, however, was the truest test of our solutions in the retail environment, where we saw certain stores forced to close on and off since March. Such a situation necessitates clear messaging, especially from retail park site managers, who are required to deal with the level of customer confusion as drivers come to their location.

Our signs are solar powered, requiring no fixed power making them portable. They can also be updated quickly and easily online or via our mobile app, allowing site managers to stay responsive to changes in situations.

Just like with past deployments, Middlebrook Retail & Leisure Park used our VMS A signs to help with wayfinding and traffic management, however more recently, they were used to help direct drivers and pedestrians to the stores that were still open in accordance with the government guidelines.

Signs can display text, pictograms or even a combination to allow for the ideal solution that works for the site required. As this was a wayfinding application, our signs were able to display store names with directional arrows to help direct drivers the correct way for the relevant store.

Dom Bridge, Operations Manager at MVIS comments, “Over the years we have worked with Middlebrook a few times, but this year especially has been a demanding one for retail. It’s great to be part of the solution that helps keep things flowing smoothly during a time where there is so much uncertainty.”

MVIS VMS makes Impact for COVID-19 Safety

Posted on 25th September 2020 at 11:15 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

During these highly unusual times, everyone looks to government bodies for advice on what to do and to help keep people safe.

Spreading the right message has never been more important and with the high focus on local initiatives to help combat this virus, local authorities are left holding the responsibility of implementing the right solutions to help keep their area’s COVID levels as low as possible. The tasks of those areas currently facing local lockdown restrictions such as Bolton and the North East of England (to name but a few) is even bigger, as they are also charged with the responsibility of communicating their specific area’s lockdown rules rather than just guidance.

Nothing has had a bigger impact in any sense this year than COVID-19, and with any high impact problem, you need a high impact solution to help manage it. Local authorities all over the UK have been turning to MVIS and our Portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) for help.

Not only this, but the media has also seen an opportunity for the potential of our VMS to put across a stark and important message through their photography, with a few deployments in particular receiving national media attention to help promote their news.

At least until such times as we have a vaccine widely available, one of the most powerful tools we have against this virus is information, bringing our portable VMS to forefront of the effort for the media and local authorities. VMS are often used in Hollywood and TV in disaster situations for this exact application – and with the world heading deeper into a state of emergency, we are seeing this become a reality before us.

With the ability to change messages remotely via web browser or mobile app, our signs can be updated safely without requiring anyone on-site. They can also be updated quickly and easily, allowing local authorities to be responsive to the changing guidance.

Our sign’s portability and solar power credentials make their responsiveness even more important, offering a moveable solution that gives the option of being able to relocate signs to new hot spots without having to worry about a fixed power supply.

One of the other aspects of our signs is their colour options. With the opportunity to display messages in multiple colours, local authorities and site managers are able to avoid the risk of ‘sign blindness’ that can occur with the use of the common amber message text sometimes seen on signs deployed for roadworks.

Putting messages and backgrounds in different colours can help the text make extra impact as well as provide emphasis, increasing the chances it will be seen and most importantly read.

The use of colour can also be a powerful indicator to the public to convey and reinforce different types of messages, such as red for unsafe actions and green for safe actions, or a combination of colours to catch attention and try to influence certain types of behaviour, for example.

As well as the opportunity to use different colours, our signs are also ideally used to display pictograms, which for foot traffic in urban areas can be highly effective for conveying critical messages.

Another important factor that has allowed MVIS to step up to this challenge has been our fleet size and product range. With the largest fleet of VMS in the UK, MVIS are able to meet the demand that is currently coming our way, with not only the necessary numbers needed, but also being able to offer 3 different sizes of VMS to local authorities so they can use the appropriate sized sign for the specific audience, deployment and objective.

Whilst MVIS can deliver these helpful solutions, we specifically do so with premium level service, bringing our high-speed expertise and focus on compliance to local authorities, who may not be used to the same level of ‘all encompassing’ service that we provide. It is well known within the industry that working with MVIS takes concerns away from our clients, as we often go above and beyond in our service, offering 24/7 support, consultancy on deployment and ensuring the right unit is being used for the right job.

Join many local authorities in the UK and hire with MVIS today to be confident that your area’s COVID-19 information is being communicated by quality products in the care of experts.

For more information about our solutions or if you would like to know more about how you can use our products to help with crowd control, social distancing or queue management, please contact us via our contact form.

Alternatively, you can email us via sales@m-vis.co.uk.

Using ITS Technology for Crowd Control

Posted on 26th June 2020 at 4:25 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

COVID-19 has presented a number of issues for councils and those who manage sites open to the public. 2020 has seen some of the biggest changes to the way we operate as a society in our lifetimes and as a result, our needs changes with them.

Traditionally, portable ITS technology such as Variable Message Signs (VMS) or CCTV have been deployed and used for traffic management and events, offering important information that people need to stay safe.

The use of our technology for crowd control is not a new idea. Indeed, we have always applied our solutions to applications that require the management of pedestrians. A large part of this is found in the events industry, where our portable VMS, CCTV, ANPR and Data Collection solutions have been used with great success. Our products have been tried and tested on some of the biggest events in the country such as the 2012 Olympics, Brighton Pride, V Festival, Silverstone and The Grand National.

However, in the wake of the pandemic, the risks presented in public areas becomes a major concern for everyone. In these areas, we can use our technology for the same applications they were designed for, but with a different focus, helping us live in a world with COVID-19 safely.

Important Notices

One of the key uses of our technology is to communicate.

Our solar powered, portable signs offer a platform to communicate to the public at a time when information is critical. With a range of signs in different sizes, our portable VMS are an ideal solution for public safety information, such as enforcing social distancing, closing roads or buildings, or even establishing lockdown barriers – if it comes to that.

A world with COVID-19 remains unpredictable and one of the biggest issues with that, is the information keeps changing.

No sooner had councils and businesses purchased static signs enforcing a 2m distance policy, the government lowers the policy to 1m, producing waste.

Using a VMS, the message can be changed in seconds without even needing to be on site.

This versatility – along with its portability – offers incredible added-value to the unit.

Another issue we are facing is the abuse of some of the UK’s beauty spots. The heatwave towards the end of June 2020 spelled a disaster for our seasides in Bournemouth, Exmouth and other areas, which were swamped with visitors who brought with them a lot of litter.

By deploying one of our signs in these beauty spots, it serves as a visual reminder for visitors to take their litter home with them.

Wayfinding / Marshalling

With such a huge disruption in the way we move and certain businesses phasing in their reopening, there is a lot of confusion for travelers and shoppers right now.

Portable VMS can be deployed to help clear up this confusion by directing people to the right places, or announcing reopening.

A common application we see in events, our signs deliver a clear message in text or pictograms that can’t be missed.

Queue Management

Our journey time solutions help to combat traffic queues by relaying estimated journey time to the driver so they can plan accordingly, helping to minimise frustration and confusion on our roads.

With the successful use of estimated queue times in the hospitality and events industry as a queue calming measure, we can apply this logic to the use of our signs on the high street, for example.

Our HD Compact VMS offers a solar powered, portable VMS with a small footprint that would apply perfectly to a queuing system, helping keep order in busy retail or service areas.

Surveillance / Enforcement

The Visitor Information & Management System uses an effective combination of our portable, solar powered VMS and CCTV to offer a surveillance / feedback system for site managers. Opening up the ability to monitor their scope of responsibility, site managers can react to issues by updating the sign via browser or our app to remind visitors of the rules, or indeed that they are being watched, for example.

Using these products together in this way helps to bring out the best of both solutions, forming a highly effective site management system that can be operated remotely.

Our latest CCTV solution, developed in partnership with 360 Vision Technology even offers incredible low light capabilities, which may be useful in areas where night time activity becomes a concern.

Alternatively, you can call us on 01629 580 570 to speak to one of our friendly team, or you can email us via sales@m-vis.co.uk.

Setting customer expectations with ITS technology

Posted on 29th May 2020 at 1:15 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

As the world changes in response to COVID-19, our use of technology changes with it, offering new and helpful ways to not only combat the virus, but also offering new ways we can live with it.

MVIS have been working hard with a wide range of industries to develop new products using our technology in order to help with the effort, establishing ground-breaking solutions for problems that didn’t exist in such scale only a few months ago.

One industry we have been working very closely with is the retail sector, who, in the wake of this have very different technological requirements to what they had only a few months ago. In a world with COVID-19, the retail industry has a big responsibility to society to do what they can to ensure that the virus is not being spread in their buildings.

As a result, stores around the country have started to adapt, installing measures to help enforce social distancing as well as for a range of other requirements. Needs related to increased demand with Click and Collect, new queuing systems and even communicating specific information such as ‘card payments only’ have become, at least in the short term, a huge priority for these businesses.

In identifying these needs, MVIS and Bartco UK developed a solution and offer a wider range of products that can help with these issues. Possibly the biggest issue logistically that retail stores currently have is in relation to queue management. It is a well-known occurrence that increased queue time can also increase frustration and anxiety in customers, which is not ideal customer psychology, especially when shoppers are already anxious and nervous.

Providing waiting customers with estimated queue wait times has already been proven successful in traffic management applications and the events industry, however it’s not usually an issue faced by the retail industry. With this in mind, our new Queue Management Solution offers the retail industry a solid solution under COVID-19 conditions using our range of VMS.

The Queue Management Solution uses our dual-colour HD Compact VMS (variable message sign) to communicate queue wait times to waiting customers in conjunction with our solar powered VMS-A to communicate information to drivers. The HD Compact’s portability and small footprint makes it an ideal queue management solution, especially in areas where space is limited. When placed strategically along the side of the queue, stores can keep customers informed and manage their expectations to help minimise frustration before customers enter the premises.

Queue management can also be achieved using the VMS-A in areas with more space. Whilst the HD Compact’s selling point is its small size, the VMS-A allows for more complex messages and may also reach a larger number of customers due to its size, making it ideal for car parks and larger stores. Such messages may encompass new store opening times, the store’s social distancing policy or other important information.

The use of the VMS-A in this solution can also help to keep customers informed every step of the way with their visit, being able to be used for a wide range of aspects such as traffic control and pedestrian marshalling.

One of the most innovative uses however has been found in the support of increased demand of Click and Collect, which, in the absence of any customer information, can descend into chaos easily. Using our web-based platform, site managers can update the sign’s message within seconds to call forward the next customer when their order is ready.

Whilst we learn to deal with COVID-19 both as an economy and as a society, more technological solutions will be employed to help us deal with the hostile circumstances we find ourselves in. This solution, and those we have developed alongside it, represents a step change in how we continue to use our technology to keep Britain informed during a time when information is of critical importance.

For more information about our solutions or if you would like to know more about how you can use our products to help with social distancing or queue management, please contact us via our contact form.

Alternatively, you can call us on 01629 580 570 to speak to one of our friendly team, or you can email us via sales@m-vis.co.uk.

Product Spotlight: HD Compact VMS

Posted on 15th May 2020 at 1:19 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

MVIS’ HD Compact VMS was the first temporary variable message sign (VMS) designed for use within work zones in order to improve safety and for public information.

We have a good reputation in the industry for working with government sectors and traffic management companies in developing innovative products that meet specific requirements. This high definition, dual colour (red and white) unit is no exception, having been developed with certain requirements in mind as a result of market research we conducted with our customers.

Weighing below 10kg, this unit can be installed on existing street furniture or on its own battery box and post. Also available in a mains-powered format or with battery and solar power, the HD Compact VMS can be used for portable, temporary applications or in a fixed, permanent context on urban highways.

As if this unit isn’t innovative enough, MVIS’ HD Compact went on to spark a revolution in the industry, leading to competing iterations of this product appearing on the market. However, in true MVIS / Bartco UK fashion, our unit is separated from copies by its ingenious data collection radar than can be used to identify traffic trends.

The implications of this are significant, especially following the COVID-19 outbreak. Data as a commodity in the name of safety is a highly valuable asset that’s only becoming more important as local authorities, traffic management companies and many other groups are eager to understand more about traffic trends during this time to learn about the impact of COVID-19.

Data, however, has always been important for identifying trends and risks, and the HD Compact offers this feature as standard, making it a low cost, multi-functional solution to alternative data collection units and other VMS.

Since the launch of the HD Compact in 2016, MVIS have gathered enough feedback from customers to continue significant and meaningful development of this unit, leading to some exciting news due to be announced by MVIS and Bartco UK this year pertaining to the features and functionality of this already innovative unit.

For more information about our HD Compact or if you would like to know more about how you can use our units to help with social distancing or data collection, please contact us via our contact form.

Alternatively, you can call us on 01629 580 570 to speak to one of our friendly team, or you can email us via sales@m-vis.co.uk.

The 5 reasons High-Speed expertise provides a safer, more efficient road network

Posted on 2nd March 2020 at 10:55 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

MVIS prides itself on keeping Britain moving.

From major motorways and A-roads to inner-city and urban environments, MVIS has developed a reputation for both quality products and outstanding service.

Often working in collaboration with Highways England, MVIS has become a trusted asset when it comes to the delivery of safe, efficient VMS and ITS products and solutions onto the UK’s roads.

As the company has continued to deliver and further its stellar reputation, MVIS has become more involved in the preparation phase of major schemes.

The company provides expert consultation for key upgrades in relation to the VMS and ITS elements of works, including where units will be positioned, how many are needed and how to make the most of the allocated units to provide maximum efficiency in relation to traffic flow, whilst also delivering the optimum level of safety for the road user.

Focusing on the high-speed road network, here are 5 reasons why MVIS is the choice for any high-speed scheme of work:

Expertise & Longevity

MVIS has extensive high-speed knowledge dating back to 2012 and its first schemes on the M4 and M5.

MVIS has provided VMS units to a number of high-profile, high-speed schemes ever since. These schemes include:

M1 J16-J19, J23a-J25, J28-J35a, J39-J42
MSM M60
M27 J4-J11
M62 J10-J12
M20 SMP
M23
Oldbury Viaduct
A14 IDT

2. ISO accreditations

When deciding on who to deliver a key scheme, quality needs to shine through.

Buying into ‘Aim for Zero’ MVIS has had zero incidents of near-misses or injury in its 8-year history, and that exemplary record can be attributed to an attitude towards safety and quality that is ingrained within the company.

This ethos is rubber-stamped with a number of ISO accreditations that leave no doubt as to what you’re getting when you bring MVIS into a job and onto a scheme.

The company ISO accreditations include ISO45001: Occupational Health & Safety, ISO9001: Quality Management Systems, as well as ISO14001: Environmental Management Systems.

3. Training for on-site work

The MVIS approach to training is continuous and has a number of key elements:

MVIS staff fully trained as hiab and slinger signalers for delivery, installation and removal.
Fully health and safety trained staff. Internally, MVIS has a programme of Health and Safety training that is ongoing for every operative, in addition to externally completed health and safety training to ensure quality across the board.
CSCS: Depending on their role on site, MVIS workforce is all on site with the appropriate and relevant CSCS card. Even the management team are CSCS qualified so they can visit the site to carry out essential auditing.

4. Fleet size

The MVIS fleet size supporting their high-speed capabilities is vast, with 192 of their VMS-C units currently in the fleet.

Due to current demand, another 30 are to be added by the end of Jan 2020.

5. Solar IP unit

The Solar IP supports MVIS’ high-speed operation by providing an environmentally friendly ITS solution.

The versatility of the Solar IP makes it perfect for high-speed work, using Solar IP and any combination of VMS, ANPR, CCTV, radar or contactless sensor. If things change, Solar IP can be quickly and easily reconfigured to meet the immediate requirement.

Trust MVIS

With such expertise, accredited quality, as well as in-depth training, a vast fleet and a versatile product range – why wouldn’t MVIS get the call?

Future of Safer Roadworks

Posted on 21st February 2020 at 4:27 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

by Graeme Lee

High speed roads are extremely dangerous environments in which to undergo construction projects. Often, in certain conditions, on-site workers and motorists are left vulnerable to high speed traffic that could cause serious damage if not managed correctly. Such conditions may occur in the egress from a highway construction project, with heavy plant and construction vehicles merging into live traffic.

Traditionally, temporary static road signs have been used to warn on-coming drivers of the potential that works traffic may be merging from a construction zone. However, despite these signs, merging construction traffic accidents still occur and work zone traffic safety remains an on-going issue for site planners and drivers alike.

While static egress signs do inform the motorist that works vehicles may be merging into live traffic, they do not give live information, and can easily be ignored.

Sign blindness poses a very real risk on the network, with construction zones that occur frequently and for lengthy stretches, and as drivers become fatigued with the same colours and shapes the more they see them.

Developed by sister company Bartco UK, MVIS offer a solution that can help mitigate these issues. The Works Egress Safety Solution is available for hire from MVIS to help notify drivers when works traffic is exiting a work zone onto the main carriageway. Offering a safer and more robust solution than alternatives, this innovative autonomous system integrates a number of our products into a solar powered ITS safety solution designed specifically for this application.

Comprising of an HD Compact, VMS-A and two vehicle sensors, this surprisingly simple solution offers an incredibly effective vehicle activated approach. The sensors are located at the start of the acceleration zone in the works area, with the HD Compact informing the driver to ‘WAIT HERE’

On the main carriageway, a VMS-A is deployed to warn high speed traffic that works traffic may be merging. Upon being triggered by the sensors, the HD Compact changes from its default message ‘WORK EGRESS – WAIT HERE’, to ‘MERGE WHEN SAFE’, depending on the specific requirement.

At the same time, the VMS-A is also activated, displaying a warning message such as ‘WORKS TRAFFIC MERGING FROM RIGHT’, warning drivers ahead of time that works traffic will be merging onto the carriageway. After a set time has passed, the HD Compact reverts to its ‘WAIT HERE’ message and the VMS-A goes blank, reducing unnecessary signage and ensuring that the VMS-A has maximum impact for drivers when it is needed.

If you would like to learn more about our Work Egress Safety Solution, please contact us via our contact form. Alternatively, you can call us on 01629 580 570 to speak to one of our friendly team, or you can email us via sales@m-vis.co.uk.

Traffic Management

Posted on 15th January 2020 at 9:55 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Intelligent Transport Systems

MVIS have a strong track record of supporting the Traffic Management industry using our unique and innovative range of ITS solutions. Designed to assist with a wide range of challenges often presented to local authorities and other parties requiring such measures, our products offer a safer, more efficient and cleaner way of dealing with traffic management than most alternatives.

Our range of products work together to provide cost effective, responsible and scalable solutions that don’t require any civils, external power or communication sources, and what’s more is that these solutions are already used by councils and leading Traffic Management organisations throughout the UK, with a proven track record of success. In this post, we will take a look at what makes MVIS and our products ideal for your ITS needs.

Who Are We?

Founded in 2012, MVIS have become market leaders in Traffic Management solutions through our rental supply of ITS products such as portable variable message signs (VMS), data collection radars, CCTV and ANPR to name but a few. MVIS have worked with some of the largest traffic management groups and local councils across the UK to deliver ITS solutions that helps keep traffic moving, people safe and drivers informed.

Working with Highways England on highways development projects gives MVIS a credibility that competitors are unable to match, from our ISO accreditations registered in quality, environmental and health & safety to our highly trained employees, MVIS is a trusted supplier of ITS products for one of the most important infrastructure groups in our country as well as companies from across the UK.

Products & Solutions

VMS

Our range of VMS (Variable Message Signs) are ideal for traffic management applications. With a secure footprint, our temporary VMS products pack a wealth of technology into a highly portable and versatile unit.

One of the biggest advantages we have with our VMS is the fact that they are solar powered, offering a fully autonomous solar charging system that delivers a high quality, bright and low power consuming LED display that costs nothing to run in energy, making it environmentally friendly.

Used as a stand-alone temporary VMS or in conjunction with radar for data collection, our VMS can also be used to display a range of reactive messages that could be helpful for traffic management applications. As a tried and tested solution, both the VMS-A and the VMS-C are suited to all roads, however, they do have their own specific features lending themselves to different applications.

Our VMS-A is ideally suited to inner cities and roads with speed zones up to 50mph, being a smaller unit than the VMS-C, which itself is better suited to high speed roads where speeds are greater than 60mph. In conjunction with radar, our VMS-A units in particular are popular solutions to help communicate speed reactive messages such as ‘TOO FAST’ to drivers who are exceeding the speed limit.

Additionally, our VMS are easy to set up and operate, offering a traffic management solution that is reliable under all conditions and has the flexibility to display red, green, blue, white and amber colours. Supporting full graphics and pictograms, our VMS are great for use as traffic signs or communicating information to drivers.

However, for more specific needs, MVIS also offer an HD VMS that is much smaller than even the VMS-A. The HD Compact VMS delivers an HD red and white dual colour display with radar and weighs below 10kg, allowing installation on existing street furniture or on its own battery box and post. As if this solution wasn’t versatile enough, its power supply can be drawn from battery, solar or mains, making it ideal for fixed, permanent applications as well as temporary ones. Mainly used on lower speed roads, this VMS unit is often the message sign of choice for speed reactive messages in such a context due to its low power consumption, versatility and portability.

Important for particularly lengthy projects, our dedicated team (who closely monitor all of our units via a range of methods) take care in ensuring that batteries are charged and all VMS are operational, going out on site to perform battery changes or check on our unit if something goes wrong.

As one of our leading product ranges, you can be sure that our VMS solutions are a safe and stable solution for your traffic management needs. From collecting data to directing traffic, if you, like many others, think that a VMS from MVIS could help your traffic management requirements, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Solar Intelligent Platform (Solar IP)

Our Solar IP is available for hire along with a wide range of our products, offering a flexible and responsive approach to traffic management projects. As a simple and cost-effective power solution, deployment of the Solar IP requires no civils or external communications, delivering an integrated intelligent transport system that meets specific needs for any combination of our ANPR, CCTV or radar. Including a 12V, 24V or 48V battery, our Solar IP boasts the latest solar charging system and is not dependant on an external energy supply, making it environmentally friendly.

Serving as one of our most innovative and ground breaking products, the Solar IP is an ideal power source for temporary ITS solutions that have proven their value to countless numbers of happy clients.

Data Collection Radar

As mentioned previously, our Data Collection Radar features heavily in our product range as a fantastic complimentary addition to our VMS units for speed reactive and data collection applications. However, our HD Data Collection Radar is also available as a stand-alone product with our Solar IP, used to support speed detection, data collection and other traffic management applications that may not require a VMS.

Adaptable to all weather and lighting conditions, this product is accurate and reliable, using the very latest technology to collection a consistent level of accurate data and can be deployed for queue detection, journey time, vehicle analytics and other applications important for traffic management.

Portable CCTV

Our trailer mounted portable CCTV units come complete with our Solar IP, making this product environmentally friendly as well as portable and versatile. Ideal for traffic management applications that see high traffic, this product excels where speed enforcement and road safety are of critical importance.

This solar powered CCTV solution features Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) and incorporates the latest video technology that delivers excellent frame rates, even in poor signal areas. With a flat, toughened glass window, our easy to operate portable CCTV is protected to IP67, making it reliable under all conditions.

Jenoptiks’ ANPR with Solar IP

As a credit to the quality of our solutions, we also work with 3rd party organisations in the pursuit of developing products that our customers require. The Jenoptik Vector ANPR with Solar IP is demonstration of just this kind of collaboration at work, bringing together the efforts of German integrated photonics group, Jenoptik and the product development team at ITS manufacturer, Bartco UK, MVIS’ sister company.

These collaborative efforts come together to enable MVIS to be able to offer the Jenoptik ANPR complete with our Solar IP, forming a full solution that is environmentally friendly, low cost to run and does the job effectively. Integrating the industry leading ANPR processor with a state of the art dual camera imaging system, this product enables the combination of ANPR and overview cameras to exactingly suit the client’s application.

Operating automatically, this solution can auto-detect vehicles as they pass the mounted Vector’s field of view, or it may also be linked to an external trigger to enable weigh in motion capture or other applications where certain vehicles require identification.

Versatile and operating in all weather and lighting conditions, this solar powered ANPR solution may be configured to read characters in formats issues by all countries and operates in darkness through the use of cost-effective pulsed LED illumination that can either be left visible or made covert.

For more information about how MVIS can help with your traffic management needs, please call us on 01629 580 570 to speak to one of our friendly team, or you can email us via sales@m-vis.co.uk.

High speed capabilities goes above and beyond

Posted on 30th October 2019 at 11:42 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

We know how vital our high-speed road network is for the road user

We all have an idea of just how many users drive along our motorways and major A-roads daily, and if we don’t – we certainly can’t imagine an infrastructure and a road network without these high-speed carriageways.

So, when it comes to keeping Britain moving, MVIS are playing their part.

Keeping Britain Moving: High Speed

The relationship of MVIS with P&D Specialist Services for the use of hiabs, trained hiab operatives and slinger signalers for delivery, installation and removal. By having such a close working relationship with one major specialist, it means P & D fully understand MVIS as a company, the needs of their customer base, and the consistency & level of service expected.
Fully health and safety trained staff. Internally, MVIS has a programme of Health and Safety training that is ongoing for every operative, in addition to externally completed health and safety training to ensure quality across the board.
CSCS: Depending on their role on site, MVIS workforce are all on site with the appropriate and relevant CSCS card.

Expertise is shared…

The MVIS expertise in the high-speed arena means that very often, the company are consulted with and requested to aid with the planning and setup of major high-speed schemes.

MVIS regularly are called upon to plan the number of units for a major high-speed scheme, as well as where they should be situated for maximum efficiency.

Over the last 7 years MVIS has been involved in, and had units being utilised on most of the major schemes nationwide. These include:

M1 J16-J19, J23a-J25, J28-J35a, J39-J42
MSM M60
M27 J4-J11
M62 J10-J12
M20 SMP
M23
Oldbury Viaduct
A14 IDT

Anne Ashman, MVIS General Manager comments:

“Over the years as we’ve grown, we’ve made a step up on the eyes of the industry I believe, to the point that we now provide lots of consultation on these major schemes. People trust MVIS, the MVIS brand and our level of quality is now our reputation.

“High speed works for us is about more than just having units out, it’s being involved in the planning and bolstering our reputation, it’s about making sure that the people delivering units are as qualified as can be from a safety point of view, it’s about making a genuine contribution to keeping Britain moving for the benefit of the road user.”

First published on HighwaysIndustry.com

For more information on how our solutions can help you, please get in touch with the team at MVIS on 01629 580 570 or email sales@m-vis.co.uk