SRL Traffic Systems expands VMS Fleet by 150 percent
The UK and Republic of Ireland’s leading manufacturer and provider of mobile intelligent transport systems (ITS), SRL Traffic Systems, has increased its variable message sign (VMS) fleet size by over 150%, and is set to expand its dedicated VMS team, as it strives to remain at the forefront of the traffic, construction and utility industries that it has helped to shape.
Following the launch of its exclusive UK and Republic of Ireland distributor partnership with international ITS manufacturer SWARCO in spring 2019 – when it bought 100 of the company’s UK-manufactured VMS – SRL soon doubled that number, to achieve a fleet size exceeding 200. It has now widened customer choice, with the addition of a new category to its SWARCO portfolio, comprising an initial order of 50 portable, 32 x 32 pixel, red green blue (RGB) activated signs.
The 150% increase in SRL’s VMS fleet reflects strong demand by traffic and events management companies and advertisers, which the company believes is testament to the products’ superior performance and industry accreditation, along with strong service.
With an active display width and height of 32 x 32 pixels (640mm x 640mm), SRL’s 50 new SWARCO VMS Portable signs are the smallest in its portfolio and are designed to display concise information. They may be used to warn road users of temporary traffic lights up ahead, or to convey speed limits in situations where space is at a premium, such as car parks and construction sites. Their introduction caters to the burgeoning demand for products that enhance information provision, so improving safety and end user experience.
Created to an original brief by SRL’s hire division MD, Malcolm Johnstone, they are the only compact mobile VMS on the market to feature integrated vehicle activated detectors, facilitating easier portability and installation than those needing supplementary detectors, and requiring minimal storage space.
They also incorporate internal radar, GPRS communications, battery monitor and GPS location, and are controlled via Zephyr, the SWARCO-recognised and established control system.
In order to support the ongoing growth of its VMS offer and further improve its high service level, Cheshire-based SRL is also expanding its ITS team across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The company is delighted to announce the senior appointment of Tony Logan as its first head of ITS. Tony brings 18 years ITS experience to a role that will see him head an expanded, dedicated VMS and related products division.
Logan joins SRL from international ITS supplier Redflex, where he was senior UK and European business development manager. He has also worked for SWARCO, where, as UK sales and business development manager, he led the market introduction of mobile VMS. He will expand SRL’s VMS division with the imminent recruitment of new sales and operational personnel.
SRL customers already benefit from the UK and Republic of Ireland’s largest VMS distribution network, comprising 28 depots and ensuring close proximity to all major customers. The company is the only manufacturer whose team is available to customers on site 24/7, 365 days a year, providing genuine UK wide coverage.
The expansions of SRL’s VMS fleet and human resource is marked by the launch of a new corporate website (www.srl.co.uk), providing customers with easily accessible details about the VMS, CCTV, traffic light and pedestrian system products, solutions and services available for purchase and hire across its divisions.
Said SRL’s chief executive officer, Richard Tredwin: “Since SRL’s foundation in 1997, the company has been an industry pioneer, developing – and achieving Type Approval for – the UK and Republic of Ireland’s first multi-phase temporary traffic and pedestrian systems.
“The rapid expansion of our SWARCO VMS fleet, along with the introduction to the company of the highly experienced Tony Logan, will help us to remain at the forefront of the ITS sector.
“We are committed to ongoing investment in both product and service, and look forward to announcing in coming months further new developments that will benefit the traffic management, events, utilities, construction and advertising sectors.”
Available in a range of sizes, SRL’s full colour SWARCO mobile VMS are the only ones designed specifically for use in the UK and Republic of Ireland. They conform to TOPAS TR2516B and Highways England’s requirements of EN 12966, confirming their ability to provide legibility, energy-efficiency and luminance in excess of the standards required on UK roads. SWARCO VMS are used in over 70 countries worldwide, and their LED and Zephyr control system technology is identical to that used by Highways England and UK local authorities.
