Variable Message Signs

Variable Message Signs

Innovative Technology for Safer Travels.

Our daily journeys are varied. Whether driving on motorways, through towns and cities or searching for car parks, we all want mobility which takes us to our destination as safely, quickly and conveniently as possible. With flexible and dynamic traffic signalisation, operators are able to provide directions to road users, give information and warnings, prevent accidents and control the flow of traffic during all weather conditions, daylight and night. Modern technology allows customised solutions with the highest quality, long lasting performance and low energy consumption to save resources and minimise the total cost of ownership.

What is a Variable Message Sign?

One game-changing outcome of modern technology are Variable Message Signs (VMS), also known as a Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) or Electronic Message Sign (EMS). Designed to provide real-time and customisable information to drivers and pedestrians on roadways, highways, and other transportation infrastructure, they digitally display essential information and easy to read electronic display boards.

This opportunity to customize the messages depending on the current situation, is one major benefit which makes VMS stand out from traditional static signs. Being very versatile and adaptable tools, they can communicate a wide range of information as conditions change, and make sure you arrive home safely from your journeys.

The history of message signs in general and VMS in particular

The timeline below shows the history of variable message signs and reflects the ongoing efforts to harness latest technology for better, safer and more efficient traffic management.

When, where and why are variable message signs used?

The history of message signs in general and VMS in specific is closely tied to progress in technology, transportation systems, and the need for real-time communication with road users. In modern days it’s almost impossible to imagine a world without message signs. Whether on the motorway or driving through towns or cities, you will find them wherever flexibility is needed and where dynamic traffic management controls mobility.

Every journey we take is different: changing weather and light conditions, different traffic volumes or unpredictable situations like roadworks, events or accidents. Road users frequently face circumstances, which require high amounts of experience, attention and the ability to think for other road users as well. From time to time these situations can become very demanding, and VMS significantly facilitate the orientation of road users to keep the traffic flow running and help to prevent and avoid accidents.

The areas of application are very versatile and can be used in multiple different locations:

How do variable message signs work?

Typically, a VMS consists of a display board made of LED-panels. These panels can display text, symbols, graphics and even simple animations. Even in adverse weather and lighting conditions they provide better legibility than reflective signs.

VMS signs can be controlled remotely by traffic management personnel or automated systems, enabling quick responses to changing traffic conditions and emergencies. As they receive real-time data from sources like cameras, weather stations and sensors, they can immediately provide important information to road users.

Tips to choose the right vms

VMS can play a key role in ensuring traffic flow remains both safe and efficient. But when it comes to product procurement and finding the right solution to meet your needs, what factors need to be considered? 

Variable Message Signs from SWARCO

Highest Quality in Every Respect.

SWARCO has over 50 years of experience in polycarbonate and optical systems manufacturing as well as over 25 years of expierience in LED technology for traffic signals. Our manufacturing processes meet the highest quality standards and are characterised by sustainable resource management and systematic waste prevention.

The patented optical system guarantees long lasting performance combined with lowest total cost of ownership.

The market offers multiple options to select VMS in different pricing segments. From the cheap basic product to the sophisticated and expensive high-end solution. This might make it difficult to choose from. But at the end, the customer’s objective is to get best possible quality at the lowest possible price, “best bang for the buck” so to say.

Being an established and reliable partner in Intelligent Transportation Systems, we can look back at a history of decades and plenty of use-cases where we were installing, operating and maintaining VMS in a variety of scenarios.

When experience taught us one thing, it is that quality is above all. Our market-leading engineering in combination with future-readiness may not directly contribute to a low purchase price. However, since a VMS represents a long-term investment for our customers, our focus is precisely on the long-term:

• We keep the total cost of ownership low. The proven quality and cleverness of our products & solutions reduces life-cycle costs across the whole value chain making investments of customers break-even quickly

Variable Message Signs from SWARCO lift the technical realization on the next level by providing unique assets:

• Market leading legibility
• Ultra-low power consumption (low environmental impact, low energy costs)
• Easy to manage by supporting various communication protocols
• Long-design life, reduced life time costs overall

These unique assets collectively contribute to making our community a better place for residents and visitors alike by improving the experience of all the road users.

• Improve the driver experience and reduce congestion
• Improve traffic flow – benefits to the local economy, encouraging returning visits
• Improved utilisation of parking spaces – potential to create more revenue
• Guide drivers to key services and amenities

SWARCO variable message signs can be summarized into two major categories: fixed installed VMS and mobile VMS.

THERE IS A REASON, WHY

When the first LEDs were introduced in the traffic sector more than 20 years ago, SWARCO started developing its own high-performance optical system for LED variable message signs. This technology was to prove groundbreaking for the market. It consists of a special lens that directs the light where it is needed: towards the driver on the road. By focusing the light beam, no light is "wasted" to the sides and upwards, and we can reduce the power required by up to 95% - a remarkable reduction in the amount of energy consumed.

Our patented lens technology, which offers an unrivalled performance, ensures the best visibility even in adverse conditions, especially when the sun is low in the sky. The external dimensions, mounting, service access, electrical supply and data interface can be flexibly adapted to meet the requirements. The lower power consumption for all freely programmable and full colour applications means that operating costs and CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 90%, ageing effects are prevented and maintenance and spare parts costs are minimised.

References

SWARCO variable message signs can be found on every continent. Our global presence means that we have extensive knowledge of all commonly used international, regional and even country-specific norms and traffic standards.
The map shows SWARCO FUTURIT installations on our planet.

FAQs
Frequently asked questions

Why you should choose SWARCO