The Midlands Driver Information System: the management of incidents

Stage I of the Midlands Driver Information System has been operational since October 1996, when it was officially switched on. This paper describes the operational experience gained in the use of the system and the management of incidents. The next stage in the development of the system is also discussed. Since October 1996 there has been growing use of the system. From the outset the police control offices which had previously been responsible for setting variable message signs started using the system regularly. Since then their use has spread and plans are now being set to assist with local traffic conditions as well as strategic diversions from all of the police control offices. To illustrate the diversion affects which can occur through setting strategic plans, traffic flows during an incident on the M42 have been analysed. The effect of the diversion is discussed in the paper