Motorway control systems: Planning and designing to maximise value for money

The use of Motorway Control Systems (MCS) can allow traffic problems to be resolved in a more cost-effective, environmentally sensitive and politically acceptable way than other solutions such as road widening. Traffic problems are often attributable to multiple root causes, and careful investigation can identify specific locations and specific driver behaviours which combine to result in congestion or high accident rates. The following process (which is being used successfully by the authors) can lead to a targeted, low cost option which will give the best chance of yielding high benefits: 1. Very detailed analysis of the specific problem; 2. Wide ranging view of the options available to address it; 3. Careful design and testing of the options; 4. Identification of the best value for money solution. The key purpose of this process is to gain a clear understanding of the root causes of the traffic problem and of the potential impacts of the solutions being considered before deciding on the scheme to address the problem. This will ensure the benefits of chosen solution match the benefits required to mitigate the problem. Investing in this process upfront can reduce construction and maintenance costs while maximising the benefits. This provides better value for money than settling on a solution and slavishly following the `design standards´.