In the UK’s congested road network, the ability to share timely, accurate, and targeted messages with road users is vital. One incredibly effective tool for achieving this is a mobile VMS – or mobile Variable Message Sign. But how exactly do they enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve customer satisfaction?
In this blog, we explore what a mobile VMS is, the benefits of VMS for road networks, and what to look for when choosing the right solution.
What Is a Mobile VMS?
A mobile VMS is a trailer-mounted LED display board used to relay real-time messages to drivers. Unlike permanent signage, mobile VMS can be repositioned as needed, making them highly versatile for temporary traffic control, event management, and roadworks. And, unlike fixed plate signs, the information can be changed at the click of a button to keep the messages up to date and relevant.
These signs are typically used to:
- Inform drivers of incidents or congestion ahead
- Display journey time data
- Communicate changes in speed limits
- Provide advance warning of road closures
- Share safety reminders for roadworks
- Encourage route diversions to reduce bottlenecks
Most VMS solutions are solar-powered, remotely managed, and capable of dynamic content updates – making them a powerful tool in smart traffic management systems.
Benefits of VMS
The benefits of VMS go beyond basic communication. Here are some of the key advantages they offer to local authorities, highways agencies, and traffic management providers:
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Improved Road Safety
One of the primary uses of mobile VMS is to reduce risk for road users and roadside workers. Messages like “Keep workers safe – slow down” or speed limit reminders are proven to influence driver behaviour, particularly when reinforced through real-time or dynamic messaging.
In areas with a history of speeding or accidents, VMS can be speed-activated or driver-activated to display:
- Speed limit roundels
- Happy/sad face emoticons
- Real-time speed feedback
These visual prompts help raise driver awareness and encourage safer speeds.
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Data-Driven Insights
Many VMS units, including SRL’s Smart Messenger VMS, can capture individual vehicle speed data. This data helps local authorities review:
- Average vehicle speeds
- Peak speed times
- Overall driver behaviour
Such insights can inform future traffic planning or enforcement interventions and help demonstrate the impact of road safety initiatives.
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Reduced Congestion
Through real-time journey time messaging and rerouting suggestions, mobile VMS can help reduce the volume of vehicles on congested routes. When integrated with intelligent systems like SRL’s Urban64 or portable UTMC, the Smart Messenger VMS can respond to changes in traffic flow. This allows authorities to adapt messages based on current conditions, encourage diversions to less congested routes and improve traffic throughput during planned roadworks.
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Enhanced Public Engagement
In urban environments, mobile VMS can also display community messaging, event information, or environmental warnings such as poor air quality alerts – making them a multipurpose communications asset.
What’s more, providing real-time updates to road users (for example, journey time messaging) can reduce customer anxiety and hence, complaints.
What to Look for in a Good Mobile VMS
Not all VMS units are created equal. When hiring a mobile VMS, it’s important to consider several key factors:
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Reliability
Look for a proven track record in uptime and performance. SRL’s VMS units are designed for 24/7 operation with robust remote access and control systems.
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Display Quality
The clarity of the message is critical. High-performance mobile VMS should have:
- A high number of LEDs per unit
- Sufficient pixel width and height to display clear characters
- Bright, weatherproof screens for visibility in all conditions
- Full colour to allow for the displaying of pictograms
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Age and Modernity of Fleet
Older units may lack modern integration features. SRL’s Smart Messenger VMS fleet is one of the most advanced in the UK and Ireland, offering the latest software, data logging, and integration options.
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Compliance with Standards
Mobile VMS should meet or exceed all regulatory requirements for highway deployment. SRL’s VMS units:
- Are CE certified
- Conform to BS EN 12966
- Are registered under TOPAS 2516D
This ensures they’re suitable for deployment on UK highways, providing peace of mind to contractors and highway authorities alike.
The SRL Smart Messenger VMS Advantage
SRL’s Smart Messenger mobile VMS brings together advanced technology, seamless integration, and real-time responsiveness. These signs can be:
- Configured to work alongside SRL’s Urban64 intelligent temporary traffic signals
- Integrated with portable UTMC systems
- Programmed remotely for fast, adaptive message updates
- Controlled locally using dedicated Wi-Fi-connected tablets
- Integrated with 3rd party devices e.g. barriers
- Controlled autonomously by a secure API
Whether you need to influence driver behaviour in high-risk areas or reduce congestion during planned works, SRL’s VMS solutions offer the flexibility and intelligence you need to keep your network moving safely and efficiently.
The benefits of VMS in modern traffic management are clear. From improving road safety and reducing congestion to capturing vital speed data and delivering responsive public messaging, mobile VMS are an essential part of any road authority or contractor’s toolkit.
SRL’s advanced mobile VMS units provide the visibility, reliability, and regulatory compliance you need, backed by one of the largest and most responsive support networks in the UK and Ireland.
To learn more about hiring or integrating mobile VMS with your traffic management systems, get in touch with our team today or call us on 0808 2818 775.
