LED signage company Messagemaker Displays Ltd has supplied two Mobile Variable Message Sign Trailers and two Mobile VMS Tower Units to international ferry company, Stena Line.

The LED signage, which can be used to display clear messages with real time updates, were implemented to help organise on-site port traffic at two of Stena Line’s ports – Fishguard and Holyhead – in line with the latest government travel regulations.

Messagemaker explains that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has had a big impact on the travel industry. For Stena Line, changes in Border Force, HMRC and custom check regulations meant that different groups of passengers had to be allocated to different areas of the port before boarding. To ensure these instructions were communicated clearly, new mobile VMS signs were needed to display the new information to passengers navigating in and around the ports.

As such, Stena Line approached Messagemaker Displays. Carl Milne, Port Service Manager at Stena Line commented: “As a large-scale distributor of highway signage, it seemed to be an established and very reliable company, so we made an enquiry.”

Andy Norman, Key Account Manager at Messagemaker Displays helped to outline what would be required from a best practice perspective. This included a range of mobile temporary signage products for both ports. Ideally, the products would be solar powered to allow for charging without being fixed to one location. However, as one of the ports did have a suitable mains power outlet, a sign that could operate from both mains and solar power was appropriate for that location. The signs would also have to be large enough so that they could be seen from a distance.

Andy Norman said: “We recommended our VMS Medium Trailers and VMS Tower Units. Both are easy to transport and provide clear messaging with a good viewing distance. We then adapted one of the Tower Units to be compatible with both mains power and solar to provide flexibility for the customer and to suit their on-site needs.”

Products from the Messagemaker Displays Mobile VMS Trailer Range are incredibly easy to manoeuvre and re-locate as they can be towed by most types of vehicles. As such, they are ideal for informing road users of temporary roadworks, changes in traffic flow or event management. Certified to EN12966 for use on UK highways, they conform to TSRGD.

Furthermore, the full colour VMS screen on all VMS Trailer units can display text, symbols and graphics and can be controlled instantly and remotely using Messagemaker Displays’ Remote Connect System (RCS). What’s more, the VMS Trailers also have GPS tracking and removal detection capabilities, also managed through RCS. Just like the rest of the LED solutions from Messagemaker Displays, all the VMS trailers are energy efficient, with a built-in solar panel and auto shut-down function to prevent the batteries overcharging.

With all the same key features as the Trailer Unit, the Tower Unit is designed for when space is at a premium, with a small footprint and retractable stabiliser legs, making it very easy to transport and deploy.

“The Trailers and Tower Units are performing really well,” Carl commented. “Thanks to these products, regulating traffic in accordance with government legislation is now much easier for the team on site. I would recommend Messagemaker Displays to those facing similar challenges.”

(Picture – Messagemaker Displays)