Perception of VMS Effectiveness: A British and Canadian Perspective

Variable Message Signs are becoming a common sight on the UK Motorway network and have been well established on North American Freeways for several decades, as highway authorities strive to better manage scarce road network resources and provide travellers with up-to-date traffic information and alternative route options. The flexibility of VMS allows them to display varied information on road conditions, safety messages, alternate routes, speed limits, and general travel information. The steady growth in deployment of VMS in the next few years will lead to enhanced use of information to better manage highways and control levels of traffic congestion. The effectiveness of VMS in achieving this goal, however, depends entirely upon driver response to and perception of the information displayed. Previous research has indicated that VMS information needs to be timely, accurate, easily understandable and also believable for motorists to take any notice of it and act accordingly. This paper will report on findings from several attitudinal questionnaire surveys, conducted in and around London and Manchester in the UK, and Toronto in Canada, to determine VMS effectiveness. The studies focus on driver perception of the effectiveness of different types of information displayed and drivers’ preferences for future information provision.