The development of VMS strategies

Concerns the development, under the auspices of the EU project ROMANSE, of a comprehensive system of variable message signs (VMS) for the roads of the Southampton area. The system will enable fully integrated strategies to be tested and evaluated. Network monitoring is an essential element for online management of a network and novel techniques are being trialled to ensure a sufficiently comprehensive coverage for both management and evaluation. Assessments indicate that substantial economic benefits can be achieved with integrated VMS strategies, particularly when they are coordinated with UTC control. The substantial trials and behavioural monitoring will enable guidelines to be developed for applications elsewhere.