Swarco

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Swarco Traffic have teamed up for a project aimed at providing enhanced driver information on roads around the county.

Funded by the Department for Transport under the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), the project is part of the wider LSTF initiative that is being carried out by TfGM to enhance network management.

The scheme also aims to provide accurate real-time traveller information to the public with the help of a wide variety of media.

TfGM and Swarco’s new project covers the supply and installation of full colour matrix variable message signs (VMS) at around 40 key sites to display journey time, traffic incident information, alternative routing and network congestion information using text, graphics or both.

In addition to this, Swarco will deploy its latest generation full colour sign that features a patented lens system to maximise colour contrast, legibility and uniformity, while reducing power consumption, and providing optimal performance in all operating conditions.

Signs will be networked back to TfGM’s Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) system, allowing messages to be set either automatically by timetable and strategy plan, or manually by the traffic centre operators.

In the future, the technology will be capable of accommodating several other applications, including providing parking guidance and displaying full colour images.

Swarco has recently completed similar commissions in Reading and Middlesbrough, and has received a positive response.

Image: TfGM and Swarco’s new project covers the supply and installation of full colour matrix variable message signs (VMS) at around 40 key sites. Photo: courtesy of SWARCO AG.