UK’s TWM Traffic Control Systems secures key smart-sign contract

TWM Traffic Control Systems is a division of Pilot Group, a Manchester-based sustainable technology solutions firm, and has won a key contract to supply and install all electronic vehicle-activated signage, in the Wirral Borough Council area, near Liverpool, northwest England. The smart signs also collect data, which can be used to help evaluate their effectiveness.

The deal secured by TWM is worth almost half a million pounds (US$700,000) over the next three years and was won against tough industry competition. The thorough tendering process covered company procedures, product quality, price, and social value.

Pilot Group specialises in carbon reduction technology including energy-efficient lighting, energy management systems and electric vehicle charging. The TWM solutions for Wirral Borough Council are designed to use LED VAS (vehicle activated signs) to warn drivers of any impending danger due to excess speeds or unforeseen hazards.

Using a combination of sensor technology and wireless communications, the solutions can be adapted for any application the client may face on their infrastructure network. All signs will be powered by off grid or renewable energy where possible.

With the importance of ITS growing throughout the highways industry, the systems provide the added benefit of traffic data collection which can be used to evaluate the success of the safety schemes being implemented throughout the area. Use of the TWM CMS platform, SMARTway, ensures this data is easily accessible to assess the information being collected and allows for safer and more flexible management of the asset.

Archie MacPherson, group MD of Pilot Group, said; “This contract award is an opportunity for our TWM Traffic Control Systems division to work with Wirral Borough Council on applying our smart, safe and sustainable solutions. As a UK provider of innovative products and services we are pleased to be working with a local Council here in the North West.

Chris Rayner, TWM national sales manager, said, “It’s a proud day for everyone involved at TWM and Pilot Group. As we continue on our journey of growth, contracts like these are the foundations that allows us to build and develop new and more innovative solutions for the UK infrastructure network.”