The motorway system south of the Rotterdam ring will be provided with a total of four DRIPs (Dynamic Route Information Panels). In this study it was investigated where DRIPS should be positioned in the longitudinal dimension of the road profile. The decisive element in the analysis was the expected effect of DRIPs positioning on the motorist information processing quality. Visual inspections were performed at the four locations. On the basis of this, the positioning of DRIPs as it had been proposed by the Dutch Ministry of Transport was assessed. New proposals were then generated, which differed from the Ministry's in that they always resulted in a more upstream positioning of DRIPS. The analysis was completed by mixing computerized images of the new DRIPs into photographs of the approaches to their proposed positions, permitting an assessment of the future road layout as it would occur to motorists. It appeared that the proposed positions would contribute to a satisfactory and consistent quality of information provision to motorists. (A)
Abstract