BACKCase Study: Improving Swindon’s Air Quality with VMS Roadside Messaging.
9th July 2024
Swindon VMS Project – A Urban VMS Case Study for Swindon Borough Council with Messagemaker Displays.
The UK’s air quality is greatly affected by the transport network. In fact, it’s estimated that 26% of the UK’s total emissions come from transport, and 91% of those emissions are from road vehicles alone (GOV.uk). Therefore, Swindon Borough Council has taken steps in improving local air quality via influencing motorists. Swindon Borough Council’s strategy involves influencing drivers via roadside messaging to opt for greener modes of transport rather than personal vehicles.
The Swindon VMS project required multiple full-colour VMS (Variable Message Signs) to be installed on a high-traffic road. These VMS signs were to be programmed with appropriate messaging to aid them in their project. Furthermore, the signs needed to be a suitable size to fit on the roadside, with functionality for real-time messaging updates, weekly scheduling and feature an easy-to-use software.
Messagemaker Displays offer the perfect VMS solution for this project. What’s more, these signs are a stock item, allowing for a quick turnaround. The Urban VMS range from Messagemaker Displays has five standard sizes to suit all road applications. On this occasion, the 80 x 48 pixel (1280 x 768mm screen) fit perfectly. The RCS Content Management System also fit the bill for all the software requirement; easy to use, scheduling, error monitoring and real-time updates.
““I would say that the RCS application for the VMS road signs was really easy to navigate and was great for incorporating images along with the health behaviour messages.”
“As you can see on the sign on Kingshill Road, we really wanted to have an illustration of a bike together with our nudge message about taking up active travel options. The application allowed for easy, quick edits made to the road sign. My colleagues and I are very pleased with the results.”
Swindon Borough Council VMS Operator
Above the software and hardware being of high quality, the exceptional personal service is what stood out most. The efficient communication, software demonstrations, helpful and informative account management made the overall process go smoothly.
Improving air quality by making positive changes to our road network will benefit both the environment and people’s health and wellbeing. The highways industry and government have a long road to go, with initiatives such as this playing a key role in educating and influencing motorists. Long lasting, high quality and easy to use VMS screens sets up the flexibility for future initiatives and effective traffic management tools.
