Latest
Home » About Us » Corporate Documents » Strategic Roads 2010 - Highways Agency 10 Year National Roads Strategy » Fact sheets » Route Management Strategies
Contact us

by phone or email

Register for
email alerts

On information that's important to you

Feature

Better information for your journey

The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.

Quick Links

The Project Control Framework

On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.

Traffic news on your desktop

Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.

Route Management Strategies

New Variable Message Signs

Aim

To expand the current range of variable message signs on the national road network with new pictogram signs and signals (Motorway Signal Mark 4) to help reduce accidents and improve journey delays.

What it means for motorists

  • Up-to-the-minute information about activity on the network
  • Improved journey times and reduced driver stress
  • Reduction in accidents
  • State-of-the-art technology will improve the reliability, visibility and versatility of variable message signs
  • Pictograms should make it easier to understand for foreign motorists

Main features

  • New signs will be capable of displaying pictograms and red warning triangles which will depict accidents, ice, congestion etc on the road ahead.
  • The higher definition red and off-white displays of the prototype MS4 signs with pictures and mixed case characters should be easier to read than current variable message signs.
  • The new concept sign will be smaller than existing range of variable message signs and, therefore, less intrusive. The size of the base and support structure will be reduced and maintenance will be carried out from a vehicle mounted hydraulic platform.
  • The MS4 signs are being developed to replace existing signals on the central reserve matrix in rural locations which are life expired and cannot provide the level of information that drivers now expect.

For more information please contact the Highways Agency Press Office on 0207 081 7443.