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Using Variable Message Signs (VMS) to Communicate with Trapped Traffic
May 2008
When incidents occur on the network it can often result in a number of people trapped between the incident and the preceding junction. Keeping them informed will often make the waiting more tolerable. This article considers a fairly recent innovation being developed by the National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC) following a workshop held by the TIM team.
Why?
The Highways Agency is continually looking into improving motorists' journeys, recognising that communication is very important to keep them up-to-date with what is taking place on the network -'informed travellers' is part of the Highways Agency's corporate identity.
To assist this, there has been many initiatives identified and some established, most notably Traffic Radio, Traffic England and Traveltime VMS.
Communicating to those trapped in stationary traffic is a recurring issue for the Highways Agency, with radio perceived to be the primary method. In addition the initiative launched by the NTCC in early 2008 should be able to inform some of them of the following:
- What is happening
- When will I begin to move
Using VMS to communicate with Trapped Traffic
Using existing network infrastructure
The VMS working group identified that the public trapped in traffic could be communicated to via variable message signs (VMS), where these are available in the locality of the trapped traffic. The NTCC then identified a set of standard messages which will be used to communicate directly with people trapped in traffic following an incident. Featured below are some example messages that have been generated:
Example messages on VMS signs
It is realised that not all those trapped in traffic will be able to see the VMS, but it will improve some people's experience.
Jenny Moten, West Midlands Regional Operations Manager has welcomed the new intiative into her operations and believes it will become a key asset.
"Unfortunately there will inevitably be times where trapped traffic is unavoidable. The Highways Agency strives to ensure that both us and our operational partners alleviate incident related congestion promptly and effectively whilst keeping road users fully updated of current network conditions. I am confident that this initiative along with the current media such as Traffic Radio etc will prove to be a key tool in achieving this, as we strive to ensure we uphold our objective of safe roads, reliable journeys and informed travellers".
Further development
Currently the initiative is still under development, however it is likely that it will be fully operational in the near future with all associated procedures finalised. To ensure that all understand their responsibilities in this process, the Network Operations and Information Directorates within the Highways Agency are working together to produce a briefing note and mutually supporting process maps. The Bulletin will keep you informed on any developments made.
Maintaining strong communication channels
Given this new capability it stresses the importance of ensuring that on-scene resources are fully aware and updated of the incident's current situation. This will present incident responders' control rooms with a full, accurate and clear picture of the incident and ensure that all messages issued to trapped traffic are accurate.
This emphasises the need for communication to be as clear as possible between on-scene resources and the Regional Control Centre and NTCC.
Has this article been worthwhile reading? Why not take a moment to send us your comments, thoughts or questions. Please e-mail TIMbulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk.
