Evaluation of effect of variable message signs on traffic surveillance

Abstract

Some years ago, progress in road telematics had made it possible to introduce time travel information in real time on VMS devices. Such information can lead road users to avoid congested areas as well as to waiting in a better condition for the end of the congestion. Variable message signs (VMS), also known as changeable message signs (CMS) or dynamic message signs (DMS), are traffic control devices to communicate with motorists. The primary purpose of a VMS is to provide information regarding roadway, traffic, or adverse weather conditions, however, the signs are additionally used to display travel times and public service announcements. This study attempts to utilize archived traffic data of a freeway to assess the accuracy with which VMS display travel time estimates, and driver response to display messages of varying lengths and formatting. Results show that usage of Variable Message Signs reduces the occupancy during the duration of the incident. The results demonstrated that VMS has no significant impact on gap. The variable message signs (VMS) have been widely used in guiding and managing the dynamic traffic with development of intelligent transportation technologies.