Apply to install a VAS or SID illuminated sign

30mph VAS Sign

Welcome to the our webpage for Vehicular Activated Signs (VAS) or Speed Indicator Device (SID) applications. We are happy for all local council’s to apply to install their own funded VAS or SID devices to address local concerns.

On this page you will find

Funding

Applicants can apply for a VAS or SID via:

  • Local Highways Panel (LHP) – this will only be available to a Parish Council and can only apply where there is a significant speed issue or where there is a personal injury collision pattern related to speed. Mains electric will not be funded. There is no fee for this however a licence will be required.
  • Self funded by local councils – all can apply on the application form below, there is no cost for the licence, however the cost of purchasing the VAS/SID unit, the installation, permits for working on the public highway, rotation of the unit and maintenance of the unit will be at the cost of the applicant.

Options for installation

There are three options for VAS/SID to be installed, which are:

  • Attached to existing post
  • Attached to a new post
  • Attached to a street light column

Please see our guidance notes.

Power

There are four power options to consider, which are:

  • Solar power
  • Battery
  • Mains electric (not recommended) when located on posts
  • Electric when using street lighting columns

What information do you need to give us?

With all applications, please include:

  • A marked street plan for each location
  • A picture / brochure of the device
  • Written support from your County Councillor

Steps involved in the process

  • Complete all sections of the application form
  • Attach marked plans / photos / brochures and/or any other relevant information requested
  • Submit the application online
  • If further information is required you will be contacted, if not, your application will be processed and a draft licence / consent / permission produced
  • The draft licence will be sent to the Essex County Council legal department and once processed they will send the licence via docusign to the applicant
  • Applicant signs licence and returns it to the legal department

How long does it take?

  • It can take up to 10 working days to review the application, obtain additional information if required and write the draft licence before sending it to the legal team
  • If mounting on streetlight columns the design and structural assessments will need to be completed before a licence can be processed
  • Once received the legal team can take up to 6 weeks to produce the licence and send to the applicant via docusign

Please note: no works are to be carried out until the licence has been signed by the named persons on the application form and returned to the legal team.

Enquiries

Please send all enquiries by email to Highway.Licences@essexhighways.org

Approved suppliers

The following are approved suppliers for VAS/SID devices:

Apply to install a VAS or SID illuminated sign

Guidance notes

Options for installation

1 . Attaching a device to existing post

There are some circumstances where a device can be attached to an existing post.

They can be attached to:

  • An existing redundant VAS/SID post
  • On the rear of some signage (where existing post can be lengthened to accommodate)
  • On the front of some existing signage (where existing post can be lengthened to accommodate)

They cannot be attached to:

  • Give way signs
  • No entry signs
  • Stop signs
  • Speed limit/Terminal signs
  • Level crossing warning signs
  • An electronically operated signs eg. School or fire station, amber wig wags or advance signs relating to the above
  • Traffic signal posts

Once granted, the licence would be for life or until the licence is cancelled.

2 . Attaching a device to a new post

Where a proposed location does not have a post on site, a new post can be provided.

Multiple locations can be agreed, however consent for only one post will be granted per parish if only one device is being purchased. Each location will have its own socket and cap and the post and device will be rotated accordingly by an accredited person (the responsibility of which falls to the applicant to arrange).

Once granted, the licence would be for life or until the licence is cancelled.

3. Attaching a device to a street light column

There are some circumstance where a device can be attached to an existing street light column.

For street light columns to be considered they will need to be aluminium and not concrete.

There will be a need to assess all street light columns to ensure each one has structural integrity and is not affected due to the placement of a device. The edge of the device must be a minimum of 450mm from the edge of the carriageway / back of footway / kerb edge. Where this is not feasible, an off set cantilever bracket may be used and will need to be declared in the application, so it is subject to a structural test.

Upon application, our Asset Management Team will assess the street light columns in question for their suitability to support a device. The costs for this assessment to be paid by the applicant, it is currently a day rate which will be advised when the application is received, however, should there be multiple locations within the Parish, it maybe possible that between 6-10 assessments can be carried out in a day if they are all in the same vicinity.

Annual assessment to be paid by the applicant will be required to ensure that the column condition has not changed, for example through third party intervention. At the end of 6 years a full structural assessment will be required and a new licence.

When using a street light, the applicant has the option to consider battery solar or mains power.

Once granted, the licence will be for 6 years, unless cancelled. At the end of 6 years the license will need to be reapplied for.

For mains powered devices:

  • Only those device suppliers who hold BSCP520 can be used
  • Approved suppliers on this page can be used
  • Its energy use must be declared under the applicants MPAN agreement (which must be supplied on application) for unmetered energy supply
  • Where a device requires an electrical supply, the County Council does not guarantee that the device installed will receive a continuous electricity supply for the duration of the period of deployment

Structural testing schedule

  • Year 1 – Initial structural test and design for proposed attachment
  • Years 2 to 6 – return to site annually to complete structural test and verification
  • Year 7 – full structural assessment and new licence required

Verification

Verification covers the following:

  • Checking for any differences in the original structural test results
  • Checking for any damage sustained post initial structural test
  • Checking for any additional attachments installed post initial structural test
  • Checking for any lantern and bracket changes that could influence the original design results

Things to consider

When deciding to purchase and install a device, here are some things to consider:

  • Proposed locations need to be at least 70 metres within the speed limit
  • The existing speed limit should be in place for at least 12 months before a device application can be considered
  • The side of the VAS/SID unit must be at least 450mm from the kerb edge / carriageway edge / back of footway
  • All VAS/SID units must be a minimum of 2.2 metres above the surface of the verge / footway
  • The size of the VAS in terms of LEDs (the more LEDs used the more power required)
  • The amount of ‘on time’ per activation, longer display periods will consume more power or battery life
  • The number of activations in a 24 hours period – more activations require more battery power is used
  • Physical site location – open area, under trees, shady, near buildings for solar or wind
  • If using battery power will additional battery packs be needed
  • Insuring the equipment in the event of theft or damage
  • Location of the sign to prevent visibility obstruction to junctions / driveways / forward visibility
  • No signage can be placed on a bend of where it does not achieve sufficient forward visibility to function correctly (approximately 75 metres)
  • Training by the manufacturer for the correct use of the sign installation and calibration in the case of use within differed posted speed limit sites
  • The manufactures guarantee period and whether an option is available to purchase an extended warranty
  • Equipment should be installed by a qualified competent person with the required public liability insurance to work on the highway
  • Traffic Management complying with Chapter 8 needs to be followed