SS15 50 Supply of Variable Message Signs

There are a number of variable message signs located throughout the county, with these signs covering a number of strategic routes throughout Kent. The text displayed by the signs gives uptodate travel information to motorists and thus helps improve drivers' route selection.

Capital funding has been obtained to install a number of additional variable message signs, with these signs complementing the existing network of signs. This tender is limited to the supply and installation only of the variable message signs, with all civils works being carried out by Kent County Council's current term maintenance contractor, Amey.

The revenue cost for maintaining these signs will remain unchanged and is to be funded from within existing budgets. As technology has improved since many of the existing variable message signs were originally procured, we have created a specification to obtain a display which is capable of a longer working life.

The signs will be operated by Kent County Council (KCC) with secure communications links to provide traffic data to the motorist, using the existing systems based in the Highway Management Centre at Aylesford Highways Depot. All equipment must be fully compatible with these existing systems.