Exciting intelligent transport system (ITS) industry news from MVIS

Written by

Tony Price, colour variable message sign (VMS) pioneer and managing director of leading intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS), has stepped down to embark on the next stage of his exciting career.

From October, his role at the  intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider will be filled by transport technology contractor P&D Specialist Services’ managing director and MVIS director, Pat Musgrave.

MVIS was formed in 2012, when Colour Mobile VMS, established three years earlier by Price, was joined by P&D to create the new  intelligent transport system (ITS) company. Tony’s departure sees MVIS become a P&D Group company, having sold his shareholding to the company.

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

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

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

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

Said Price: “Founding Colour Mobile VMS, bringing colour VMS to the UK, working with P&D to undertake some of the most exciting  intelligent transport system (ITS) projects in the world and developing MVIS’ portfolio, have been some of the most fulfilling experiences of my career to date.

“I’m tremendously proud of what we have achieved, and look forward to watching P&D take MVIS to the next level. Pat Musgrave has over 25 years’ experience in the  intelligent transport system (ITS) sector, and is held in very high esteem by customers and peers alike. The company is in very capable hands.”

On his decision to leave MVIS, Price added: “I’ve achieved with MVIS what we set out to do, and am already planning my next challenge.”

Commented Musgrave: “Working with Tony to build MVIS has been a truly remarkable experience. His passion for the  intelligent transport system (ITS) industry and work ethic are inspirational, and he leaves the company in excellent shape for the next stage in its development.”

Intelligent transport system (ITS) customer in running for awards

Written by

Highways Magazine last week announced its 2013 Excellence Awards shortlist. Market leader in temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, MVIS was delighted to see that the Olympic Route Network Team is in the running for the IHE Team of the Year award and is also nominated in the Road Marking Project of the Year category.

In what is believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered variable message signs (VMS) in the world, MVIS supplied almost 200 units for the network, in an intelligent transport system (ITS) solution that enabled key participants to travel safely, securely and efficiently between venues and their accommodation, while also keeping London and the rest of the UK moving.

MVIS keeps its fingers crossed for the team at the 10th October awards ceremony, and looks forward to working with more transport management partners to develop new intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions for road networks across the UK.

 

 

 

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

Written by

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

Written by

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.

 

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

Written by

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.

 

Intelligent transport system (ITS) Olympic and Paralympic legacy

Written by

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions provider, MVIS, read with interest an article in last week’s Highways on Fridays, which reported on the way in which improvements in how the country’s busiest roads are managed have come about as a direct result of lessons learned from the games.

The article referred to the verdict of road bosses speaking at an industry event, London 2012 Lessons and Legacy, held by the Roads Academy, a new professional development programme designed to encourage innovation and best practice across the roads industry.

Industry leaders speaking at the event explained that ways of working pioneered while planning for last summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games have led to improvements in planning roadworks, managing traffic flows during busy times and how incidents are responded to, and MVIS’ intelligent transport system (ITS) was of a cruical element of the initiative.

Comenting on the project which incorporated MVIS’ intelligent transport system (ITS), TfL director of roads Dana Skelley said: “Moving millions of people across London was obviously one of the major challenges of the London 2012 games. Despite the scale of the challenge posed to London’s transport network, transport arrangements were enormously successful…. Investment in state-of-the-art traffic management systems played a vital role in keeping London moving. New technology systems, upgraded traffic signals and improved modelling are all leaving a legacy of better managed roads and smoother traffic flow throughout the capital.”

Highways Agency chief executive Graham Dalton added: “A relentless focus on performance and innovative solutions – like the ones we developed for the games – will be crucial in making maximum use out of our road network, a vital national asset, in the years ahead while ensuring we continue to deliver best value for taxpayers’ money.”

MVIS is one of UK’s leading intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions providers, working in partnership with traffic management organisations to create solutions to help the road network operate efficiently.

Its Olympic Route Network intelligent transport system (ITS) solution featured the supply of what is believed to be the largest single deployment of solar powered variable message signs (VMS) in the world, with almost 200 units employed for the 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.

 

MVIS keeps Manchester moving

Written by

MVIS was chosen as the preferred Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions provider to keep Manchester moving as the city enjoyed some of the summer’s most promising music events.

Fans attending the Etihad stadium earlier for an evening with pop idols Muse and Robbie Williams benefited from MVIS’ VMS-C system, which was utilised to effectively manage up to 60,000 people in the vicinity of the stadium.

With a fully autonomous solar charging system, the 5 colour VMS-C boasts a range of features and functions not available in any other VMS,  the highest quality LED’s and a single plug and play controller that houses the sign’s unsurpassed technology.

Two VMS-C systems were also used for Manchester’s premier music festival, the Parklife Weekender, to help manage festival goers  as thousands descended on the city’s Heaton Park for two days of fun, sun and songs from some of the UK’s biggest pop acts.

For more information on the VMS-C, or any of MVIS’ high quality, competitively priced ITS solutions get in touch for a no obligation demonstration.

Solar 2012 generating considerable interest

Written by

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

Written by

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

Written by

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

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