SRL Traffic Systems is expanding into the high speed variable message sign (VMS) market, with a multi-million pound investment in a fleet of large units designed for dual carriageways and motorways.
The manufacturer and supplier of mobile intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions said the Smart High Speed Messenger fleet will arrive later in the summer and is already extensively booked, reflecting strong demand for the UK-manufactured SWARCO product, which features active display dimensions of 2.4m (80 pixels) x 1.44m (48 pixels).
SRL’s SWARCO VMS allow direct control by Highways England and local authorities, via their own Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) platforms.
Chief executive officer Richard Tredwin said: ‘SRL’s move into the high speed VMS market is the latest stage in an ambitious corporate expansion plan, and with the new Smart High Speed Messenger already generating demand, we are confident that it will prove successful.
The move into the high speed VMS market follows SRL’s recent announcement of an ambitious fleet expansion, as it moved into the compact sign arena with the launch of the new Smart Portable Messenger.
It coincides with the launch of what the firm said is the largest ITS depot in the UK and Republic of Ireland, designed to enhance customer delivery times.
SRL said its new depot in Romford, which measures around 12,000 sq ft and replaces its Upminster outpost, will be its VMS centre of excellence, offering high quality training and customer meeting facilities as well as accommodating the company’s equipment repair operation.
The depot will also house a selection of products from the company’s wider hire and sale portfolio - including the Urban64 semi-permanent system – enabling their rapid mobilisation for the southern England market.
The new depot will be joined this month by the company’s new operation in Telford, designed to allow swifter delivery to northern England and Wales. The Telford unit will bring SRL’s distribution network to 29 operations.
SRL is the exclusive UK and Republic of Ireland distributor of SWARCO VMS. SWARCO signs are full colour mobile VMS designed specifically for the domestic market, in the highest resolution available.
They are TOPAS TR2516C approved and exceed CE specifications in accordance with BS EN 12966.