Traffic equipment hire company Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS UK) has launched the first hybrid Journey Time Solution (JTS) for use on portable variable message signs (VMS) in the UK.
The innovative TomTom Journey Time Solution is the only hybrid traffic information system currently available for use on portable VMS in the UK. The dual data-feed system enables real-time journey time information for roads that are both on and off Highways England’s (HE) Strategic Road Network (SRN), including arterials being used for motorway diversions. Controlled by the unique Web Studio interface from sister company and VMS manufacturer Bartco UK, users can switch between real-time data from the existing HE National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC) Datex Journey Time Solution feed, or TomTom’s JTS, with drivers getting information for a diversion route using the same Bartco VMS sign.
HE’s NTOC data covers the UK’s SRN, which includes all motorways and major trunk roads (A roads), while TomTom provides coverage for 99% of all UK roads, including arterials and minor roads (B roads), using data gathered from millions of connected devices. Access to both data streams, using the same portable VMS, means traffic managers now have total flexibility in the journey time information they can display at roadworks. For example, VMS deployed at motorway roadworks will use the NTOC Datex information to display journey times between junctions, but if information about a diversion away from the motorway is required, the VMS can be switched to TomTom-mode to access journey time information for roads not covered by the NTOC.
Information is displayed on Bartco’s color VMS-C trailer-mounted and solar-powered units, with the TomTom JTS providing:
• Portable and easy installation;
• Data transmitted to cloud server, giving real-time view of diversion impacts;
• Ability to identify safety issues in real time, such as incidents that impact on journey time reliability;
• Low power consumption.
The TomTom JTS from MVIS is the latest addition to MVIS comprehensive range of innovative, fully autonomous Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions designed to help traffic managers operate temporary traffic scenarios safely, efficiently and cost effectively. Keeping road users better informed and being able to identify incidents in real time helps ease congestion and improve safety around roadworks.
MVIS’s innovative hybrid system can also combine the estimated journey times from both systems for the most accurate journey time predictions, and is especially well suited for overnight diversions for motorway road works.
