Use of Variable Message Signs

Variable Message Signs (VMS) are capable of displaying pre-defined or freely programmable messages which can be changed remotely with individual pixel control. They consist of:

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• large general-purpose panels which allow the display of a variety of text messages and sometimes pictograms. Cost considerations mean these tend to be used on motorways
• or smaller dedicated panels to display a dynamic speed limit or a specific message

A Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) is any sign or graphics board that can change the message (text or pictogram) conveyed to the viewer. It may be either a Variable Message Sign (VMS) or a Changeable Message Sign (CMS) where:

• VMS is a sign capable of displaying pre-defined or freely programmable messages which can be changed remotely with individual pixel control
• CMS is a sign capable of displaying pre-defined fixed messages which cannot be changed remotely

See Roadside DMS  

Roadside and overhead VMS are a basic traffic management tool for road owners and authorities &#; to provide information and advice to drivers and riders independent of any in-vehicle systems. In some cases VMS signs can replace fixed roadside signs to inform drivers of speed limits &#; if necessary with the flexibility of changing mandatory speed limits in response to traffic or road conditions where the legislation allows.

Research evidence shows that road user acceptance and compliance is substantially increased when the reason for a new, lower than normal, speed limit is displayed on the VMS in addition to the prevailing speed limit.

Hazards and Advisory Speed Limits

VMS can be used to convey maximum advisory (non-mandatory) speeds &#; to advise drivers and riders to slow down in fog, high winds and icy conditions or on the approach to an incident or slow-moving traffic ahead.

Icy Road Warning System in California

Evaluation of an icy road surface warning system installed on a mountain road in California indicated that, when the warnings of icy conditions were activated, mean speeds were more than 5 mph (8 km/h) lower than when no warnings were shown (Veneziano and Ye, ). In specific situations where ice was present but not likely to be expected by drivers (such as cold, clear and not-dry conditions), the reduction in speed was somewhat less &#; under 3 mph to around 3 mph (4.8 km/h). The speed data was collected at the VMS sign &#; rather than in the subsequent curve where the driver response may have been greater.

Fog Warning System in the Netherlands

A fog-warning system on the A16 in the Netherlands had two levels of lower speed limit available, depending on the level of visibility. It was found that when the system was activated, average speeds decreased by 9-10 km/h. When the very low visibility speed limit was displayed, average speeds were higher than appropriate for the road conditions indicating that the advisory speed limit of 60 km/h was not low enough to influence driver behaviour sufficiently.

Dynamic Speed Limits

Dynamic management of speed limits in response to traffic flows has been shown to reduce speed variability and smooth flows, reduce numbers of accidents and increase overall throughput. It also has environmental benefits through the reduction of emissions. It is mainly applied on motorways. When used in construction zones or for temporary narrow lanes, the safety impacts are considerable, particularly as regards the protection of roadside workers. Dynamic speed limits are often combined with camera-based speed enforcement. (See Work Zones)

Feedback to Drivers

Roadside VMS is commonly used, particularly on urban roads, to inform drivers that they are speeding in the hope of encouraging them to slow down. These VMS are linked to speed detectors. When triggered by a speeding vehicle they display the speed limit or a message such as &#;Slow down&#;. The devices can also be mounted on a trailer for portability &#; for use, for example, in work zones. Portable Dynamic Message Signs (PDMS) have been shown to have an effect on the proportion of drivers speeding and on average traffic speeds. Some of that impact may be a novelty effect &#; since few evaluations have looked at the persistence of changes.

Managed Motorways

&#;Smart&#; or &#;Managed&#; motorways are becoming more common as a means of managing high traffic flows on motorways. (See for example http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing-our-roads/improving-our-network/smart-motorways/).

Typically, as traffic builds up towards the critical 2,000 vehicle per lane per hour, speed limits are reduced. The aim is to reduce speed variance and shock waves caused by traffic slowing down and speeding up - which can lead to incidents and accidents. The overall objective is to maintain traffic throughput - but the schemes have also brought about reductions in accidents and secondary incidents. Speed limits are enforced with automatic camera-based technology (time over distance cameras in the more recent schemes). Another common feature is the use of the hard shoulder for traffic at times of high congestion (&#;hard shoulder running&#;) with appropriate VMS signing. (See Case Study: Active Traffic Management Pilot M42 (UK))

Advice to practitioners

National and regional standards are likely to apply to the design and installation of VMS. There are also applicable international standards for regulatory signs. Sixty three countries across the world have ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This states that road signs conveyed on VMS should generally conform to the text and symbols used on standard road signs. The Convention allows variations in colour in the interests of legibility. For example, it permits the use of dark text on a light background (the norm for speed signs) to be replaced by light text on dark background in the case of VMS - although the border must remain red.

Are you familiar with those large digital signs you see on highways and streets, displaying traffic information, advertisements, or emergency alerts? Well, those signs are known as Variable Message Signs, or VMS boards. VMS boards have become an essential tool in modern transportation systems, providing real-time information to drivers and pedestrians alike. 

These electronic boards are capable of displaying text messages, symbols, images, and even animations, making them highly versatile and effective in conveying important information. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of portable vms. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

From alerting drivers about accidents or road closures to informing the public about upcoming events or public announcements, VMS boards have revolutionized how we communicate on the roads. 

In this post, we will delve deeper into the world of VMS boards, exploring their functionality, benefits, and the different ways they are utilized in various transportation systems. Get ready to discover how these high-tech signs are shaping the future of communication on our roadways.

Also Read: Variable Message Signs (VMS) Boards for Hire

What is a VMS Board?

Variable Message Signs or VMS boards are electronic message signs used by public and private agencies to inform and remind the general public about any updates or changes regarding road traffic, public safety, community events, and much more. 

This article is going to break down the top benefits of variable message signs.

Whether you&#;re reading this as someone who is in the market for a variable message sign, or you just want to learn more about them, this post will show you photos and examples from people who regularly use them.

Top Four Benefits of a VMS Board.

1. They&#;re versatile

The versatility of a VMS board allows police departments, emergency management agencies, public works, colleges and universities, health departments, stadiums and more to inform the public and direct traffic.

We&#;ve seen our customers use them for:

• Road closures and traffic changes
• Traffic safety reminders for impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other unsafe driving behaviors.
• Guidance around parking lots and campuses
• Notices of inclement weather

Electronic highway message boards communicate multiple screens of text, chevrons, and custom images to meet your needs.

2. They&#;re proven to be more effective

Studies have shown that VMS boards effectively influence driver behavior, particularly in unfamiliar road conditions. Messages displayed on these boards, especially those employing wit, humor, or emotional triggers, have significantly reduced speeding and improved overall road safety.

3. You can operate them remotely

The ability to remotely operate VMS boards via platforms like TraffiCloud® streamlines message management processes. Users can effortlessly modify messages, monitor device status, and schedule alerts, eliminating the need for physical intervention. This remote accessibility maximizes operational efficiency and minimizes downtime.

4. Some VMS boards are portable

Portability is a key feature of modern VMS boards, ensuring seamless deployment in dynamic environments. The compact design of options like the InstAlert 24 facilitates easy transportation, allowing for rapid setup and message dissemination in various settings, from police cruisers to event arenas.

The portability of VMS boards eliminates logistical challenges associated with traditional signage deployment. Whether mounted on poles, attached to vehicles, or deployed on trailers, these mobile solutions offer unparalleled convenience, enabling swift response to changing circumstances.

FAQ

How do VMS boards contribute to road safety?

VMS boards effectively communicate crucial information to drivers, promoting awareness of road conditions, speed limits, and safety reminders, ultimately reducing accidents and improving traffic flow.

How do VMS boards cater to the diverse needs of different industries?

The versatility of VMS boards enables their use across various sectors, including law enforcement, education, healthcare, and transportation, offering tailored solutions for information dissemination, crowd control, and public safety initiatives.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit traffic led display.