Instant messaging for Manchester’s motorists

Transport for Greater Manchester has installed variable message signs (VMS) on some of the city’s busiest roads to provide motorists with live traffic information. Eight VMS are now fully operational on roads across the region, displaying live journey time estimates and details of road traffic incidents and disruption. A further 19 signs are expected to be operational by the end of March 2015. Each sign is carefully located near to a key decision point, such as the intersection of a main route, a park
January 27, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
817 Transport for Greater Manchester has installed variable message signs (VMS) on some of the city’s busiest roads to provide motorists with live traffic information.

Eight VMS are now fully operational on roads across the region, displaying live journey time estimates and details of road traffic incidents and disruption. A further 19 signs are expected to be operational by the end of March 2015.

Each sign is carefully located near to a key decision point, such as the intersection of a main route, a park and ride site, a major train station, an interchange or a public transport stop. The locations were carefully chosen in consultation with local authorities, taking into account factors such as speed limits and distances from the decision points. This was done to allow plenty of time for road users to process the information displayed, decide on the best course of action, and make their intervention in a timely and safe manner.

The full colour matrix signs can display both text and graphics, such as standard road sign symbols, and are linked directly to the state-of-the-art urban traffic control room at Transport for Greater Manchester’s headquarters.

The aim is to develop the system using the link and allow it, in the long-term, to provide information such as live diversions, comparisons between public transport journey times and cycling data. The overarching objective, other than to provide real time information, is to give all road users an informed choice to meet their travel needs.

The signs are also able to display photographs and live stream footage, which will future-proof them should the current legislation change.
Urban Traffic Control Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Minimum retroreflectivity standards for US
    September 13, 2022
    FHWA changes requirements for minimum levels of retroreflectivity for road markings
    Read More
  • The downside of driverless vehicles
    October 27, 2016
    Driverless cars will have a detrimental effect on congestion and security while the road safety benefits can be achieved sooner and cheaper using ADAS, argues Colin Sowman. Many Governments are consulting about the introduction of driverless vehicles and even running trials. As 70% or 80% of crashes are caused by human error, the promise of a crash-free future of driverless, self-driving or autonomous vehicles (call them what you will) is alluring, as are the claims of reduced congestion and lower emissions
    Read More
  • Tolling is still stuck on the sidelines says ASECAP speaker
    August 19, 2015
    Geoff Hadwick attended ASECAP’s 2015 Study Days meeting in Lisbon and found a frustrated European tolling sector undertaking some soul searching. The international road tolling industry its failing to make it case and the sector is losing out to a range of other socio-political lobby groups according to International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) chief executive Pat Jones. Speaking at the recent 2015 ASECAP Study Days conference in Lisbon, Jones issued a stark warning: “Tolling is still o
    Read More
  • Qatar to get Intelligent Transport System in time for 2022 World Cup
    November 9, 2012
    Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is in the final phase of preparing an ITS master plan, while smart transport solutions have already been integrated in the traffic system in the country, with the aim of implementing a fully integrated Intelligent Transport System (ITS) before the FIFA World Cup 2022. Plans include special lanes for buses, more advanced surveillance cameras, a dedicated radio station to raise traffic awareness and special operation rooms to deal with accidents and other emergencies.
    Read More

Highlighted Content