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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 


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

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

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

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

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

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

“Not only did MVIS’ VMS facilitate a rapid message change in response to the quickly changing traffic situation, but the high visibility of the three colour pictograms engendered an instant motorist reaction, promoting the safety of road workers, police and motorists alike.

“Without a doubt, the zero shunt rate during this year’s refurbishment works was the result of the deployment of MVIS’ VMS signs, with their market-leading software technology.”

MVIS managing director, Pat Musgrave added: “MVIS has long-championed the health and safety benefits of its VMS, and is pleased to have been able to demonstrate these to the advantage of the A-one+ project.”

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

 


Musgrave takes the helm of MVIS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards

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


Intelligent transport system (ITS) provider MVIS in great shape

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

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

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

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

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

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


Exciting intelligent transport system (ITS) industry news from MVIS

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) solutions: Highways Aug/Sept 2013

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.”


MVIS’ Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Solution Triumphs at RideLondon

Leading temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS) Ltd, contributed to the smooth-running of London’s traffic network during the UK’s largest ever mass-participation cycling festival.

With over 70,000 participants, Prudential RideLondon took place in early August, celebrating the legacy for cycling created by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

MVIS’ intelligent transport system (ITS) solution incorporated 20 VMS-A mobile, solar powered variable message signs (VMS) to provide advanced information to members of the public about the route of the festival’s London-Surrey 100 event, a 100 mile race on closed roads.

MVIS was selected to undertake the intelligent transport system (ITS) project following its successful Olympic Route Network (ORN) contract in 2012, when almost 200 VMS were deployed in what was believed to be the largest single instalment of solar powered VMS in the world.

The company’s London-Surrey 100 intelligent transport system (ITS) contract saw its VMS signs performing a similar function to those deployed on the ORN, providing clear and quickly perceptible travel advice about potentially busy areas to non-race road users.

MVIS’ managing director, Pat Musgrave said: “We were delighted to have once again worked in partnership with TfL to develop an intelligent transport system (ITS) solution to help the capital’s road network operate efficiently throughout a major sporting event.”

MVIS’ innovative intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions incorporate a wide range of products, including ANPR, CCTV and radar in addition to VMS.

 


New intelligent transport system (ITS) journey time solution

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.

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.


MVIS Intelligent Transport System (ITS) provider is “best of the best”

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions provider, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS), has been acknowledged as the best start-up business in the region, in the Sheffield City Regional Business Awards.

Until last autumn, when it was joined by transport technology contractor P&D Specialist Services Ltd, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions provider MVIS was known as Colour Mobile VMS. The union followed a joint venture between the companies to deliver a major contract for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and it was in recognition of this contract that the Tansley based firm won the best start-up title, just three years after Colour Mobile VMS was established by Tony Price.

In what is believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered variable message signs (VMS) in the world, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions provider MVIS supplied almost 200 units for the Olympic Route Network, enabling key participants to travel safely, securely and efficiently between venues and their accommodation, while also keeping London and the rest of the UK moving.

One year on, and MVIS’ product portfolio now includes a wide range of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions in addition to VMS signs, including ANPR, CCTV and radar, and clients include the Metropolitan Police and numerous events organisations.

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions provider MVIS’ award was presented at a gala event at Sheffield’s Ponds Ford sports centre, and attended by hundreds, including the region’s Chamber of Commerce heads, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, senior figures from Sheffield College and Hallam University, and industry leaders.

Organised by Sheffield Newspapers and the Chambers of Commerce, the event was hosted by BBC Look North presenter Clare Frisby, and the speaker was Sir Howard Davies, former deputy governor of the Bank of England.

Sheffield Star editor, Jeremy Clifford, described the event as “the showcase for the best of the best”. Said MVIS’ managing director, Tony Price: “We are delighted to have won this award. It is a great recognition for the team, during what is shaping up to be another fantastic year for Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions provider MVIS.”

MVIS began 2013 with the launch of a series of new Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions, and then went on to expand its team with the appointment of a UK sales manager and a technical manager. A few weeks ago, the company’s Solar 2012 CCTV cameras made their Royal Ascot debut, playing a crucial role in the event’s traffic management plan, helping to prevent congestion around the world-famous event.

 


Solar 2012 generating considerable interest

Already generating considerable interest in the events sector, MVIS’ Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform is the world’s first product facilitating the mounting of multiple information and lighting products on a single, solar powered, mobile platform.

The platform can be used by event organisers as part of their traffic management system, and also as a vital venue tool in the provision of information and lighting services.

Capable of accommodating a changing array of MVIS products, the cost-saving Solar 2012 presents organisers with the opportunity to mount all their equipment on a single platform.  Easily portable, the platform is simple to deploy, requiring no civil engineering and third party communications, and so requires only a low level of manpower.  Its solar power source means that it does not need charging and is totally reliable, being independent of often unpredictable power supplies.  It is also silent and does not generate fumes.

The trailer may be deployed on route to events, maintaining a selection of MVIS’ temporary Intelligent Transport System (ITS) equipment designed to help ensure the smooth flow of traffic to and from the venue.  This equipment ranges from the Variable Message Signs (VMS) used at the Olympics, to CCTV, radar and Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems.

It may also be effectively used at the venue itself, as the VMS signs may be used to transmit not only rapidly changing visitor information, but also to advertise event details and sponsors.  MVIS’ Solar 6K temporary events lighting solution can be supported by the platform.

The operational and cost-saving capacity of the platform serves to enhance the efficiency benefits of the individual products accommodated.  The VMS signs are high impact and allow messages to be updated quickly and easily from any internet enabled device.  This means that they can be deployed in fewer numbers than standard static signs, reducing the need for the high manpower levels often associated with sign installation and management.

Developed in response to growing demand within the events sector for a mobile, multiple application product, the Solar 2012 has just undergone testing in the film industry, where it has been used in conjunction with Solar 6K lighting on sets in the North West.

MVIS managing director, Tony Price, has no doubt that the product will quickly be adopted by the events sector:  “The Solar 2012 gives organisers of events of all sizes, not just those on an Olympic scale, the opportunity to multiply the operational efficiency and cost-saving benefits provided by our individual products.

“These benefits can be enjoyed both by organisers using our ITS equipment to manage traffic to events, and also by those deploying our information and lighting products at the venues themselves.

“MVIS is highly experienced in the events sector and committed to responding to the market’s evolving needs, with the development of new solutions utilising the latest technology.  The Solar 2012 is testament to this experience, expertise and dedication.”

In what is believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered VMS in the world, MVIS deployed almost 200 VMS units for the Olympic Route Network, enabling key participants, such as athletes and officials, to travel safely, securely and efficiently between venues and their accommodation, while also keeping London and the rest of the UK moving.

As the event closed, TfL’s London streets traffic control centre operations manager, Esmon George MBE MILT, contacted MVIS to thank the company for its “outstanding support”, adding: “We couldn’t have achieved what we did without you”.


Top tips for the smooth running of an event from industry expert

Whether you’re organising a small country show or a major music festival, an efficient traffic management system is essential to ensure the smooth flow of traffic to and from the event, maximising visitor satisfaction and minimising the impact on non-event traffic.   Many events are located in rural areas, via B-road access, where a good traffic management system is especially important.

Tony Price MD of MVIS recently talked to Events Industry News about his top tips for the smooth running of an event. 

“Rapid technological developments in the traffic management industry have given events organisers the opportunity to incorporate state-of- the art equipment into their traffic management systems, equipment that will not only help the traffic to flow more smoothly, but that will also help to save on manpower costs.

“Variable Message Signs (VMS) backed up by the right software can save you a lot of money.  These signs are of high impact, and when supported by the right software, can allow you not only to display directional messages but also to update them quickly and easily from any internet enabled device.  Their impact and efficient communication capacity means that they can be deployed in fewer numbers than standard static signs, reducing the need for the high manpower costs often associated with sign installation and management.

“Tests have shown that VMS signs displaying messages using a wide variety of colours have particularly high impact, allowing drivers to interpret instructions with the greatest speed. MVIS’ matrix signs are capable of displaying text in five colours, although TSRGD 2002 regulations meant that on the Olympic Route Network, only amber and white were permissible.  We are currently lobbying the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency to permit the use of greater colour in order to improve traffic management efficiency.

“One mistake that events transport managers often make is to think no further than signage.  In fact, solutions incorporating a range of ITS products can be used to help make the traffic flow more efficiently.  CCTV, radar and Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems can all be employed on the routes leading to the event in order to capture information that will help you to manage event traffic well.

“For example, these products can count and instantly transmit to you details of the number of vehicles approaching the event, thereby allowing you to open up more car-parking spaces as necessary, so preventing tail-backs.  ANPR systems can be used to facilitate cashless parking systems, removing the need for barriers, again helping to prevent tail-backs.

“There is a massive array of ITS products on the market, and you need to think carefully about the products that are best for you.  Consider whether the equipment is portable and easy to install.  These aspects are vital, not only to ensure efficient initial deployment requiring only a low level of human resource, but also to facilitate the swift redeployment sometimes required due to changing circumstances.  Consider too the power supply. As any event organiser will know, external power supplies are not always reliable, so solar powered equipment is by far the best option.

“Also, think about whether the combination of ITS technology you choose can be housed in one platform rather than several, as this will save you money.  Our new Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform facilitates the mounting of multiple products on a single, solar powered, mobile platform, allowing the flexible combination of a selection of temporary ITS equipment.

“Finally, when selecting your ITS provider, you should always take care to choose one offering a committed customer service, not just the products themselves.  Choose a supplier who is able to give comprehensive operational training, who will be there for you at short notice, and who can be relied on to deliver quickly.”

Tony Price, Managing director, MVIS


MVIS launches Solar 2012 multi-use trailer platform

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