Request installation of an electronic road sign
A Mobile Vehicle Activated Sign (MVAS), also known as a Speed Indicator device (SID), is a road sign where the message only becomes visible when the approaching vehicle is going over a certain speed.
Applying for an MVAS to be installed
View the Buckinghamshire Highways' Community Board Guidance for information on how we can help solve problems with speeding cars and improve road safety in your local area.
Town and Parish Councils can complete an application form after reading the guidance below.
Requirements for installing an MVAS
You will need to:
- tell us the information you would like to be displayed on the sign (only appropriate information will be approved)
- organise a one-off training session with the supplier
- purchase solar MVAS units to minimise environmental impacts unless there is a justified reason for using non-solar powered MVAS units
- apply for a section 171 license if you need to break ground
If the MVAS unit is not being fitted to existing street furniture, you should also:
- buy hinged posts and ground screws to attach the unit
- apply for a road space booking as traffic management may be required for the installation of posts
You can only install 1 MVAS for a minimum of 4 sites and only 2 MVAS per Parish (a minimum of 8 sites).
What you need to provide with your application
To support the application, you will need to show:
- evidence of a conversation with your local area technician to confirm that installation of an MVAS in the desired location is possible
- where you want the MVAS to be located
- a risk assessment for each site
- data to evidence the need for an MVAS at that location (for example speed tube data, resident feedback or police communication)
- that you've consulted residents who live near the proposed location of each site
- where the MVAS will be moved every 4 to 6 weeks
- evidence of a minimum of £5 million public liability insurance
Complete the application form
Complete our MVAS application form (PDF, 1.22MB) and send it to:
Mary McElhinney
Buckinghamshire Council
10th Floor
Walton Street Offices
Walton Street
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP20 1UA
We suggest that parish or town councils obtain insurance against damage for the unit. If the device is shared, you may want to make an agreement about how to share the cost of this insurance.
MVAS batteries are often stolen so you should regularly check the units.
We take no liability for the unit and associated equipment.
You will also require permission to undertake the work if you're installing new groundscrews or new posts.
You can request a road space booking online. It costs £155 plus VAT.
You will also need to apply for a Section 171 licence. This should only be carried out by the approved contractor.
For more information, read our VAS policy.
If the Highway Authority believes an MVAS has been installed where it presents a hazard to the travelling public, they can remove the unit.
If they believe the scheme is being managed in a way that presents a hazard to the travelling public, they can withdraw the approval.
If the Highway Authority believes an MVAS unit has not moved for more than 8 weeks, they can remove the unit from that location and take it to a depot to be collected.