Variable message signs in London: evaluation in CLEOPATRA

Discusses a planned study, CLEOPATRA, into variable message road signs (VMS) in London. Firstly, usage of current VMS systems, and driver attitudes and requirements, are examined. A stated preference study is being conducted to determine the likely effect that particular messages could have on driver route choice in London and the route choice logic is to then be incorporated in RGCONTRAM. Subsequently driver diversion rates will be modelled using RGCONTRAM for a network of Inner North London to predict the likely resulting flow patterns and network performance under incident conditions with and without information being present. A field demonstration will be conducted where traffic measurements and driver decisions will be observed and compared to those modelled. Results will also contribute to an economic evaluation of VMS and to the production of message.