The Mare Nostrum VMS (Variable Message Sign) project originated informally in Europe upon the realisation that quicker progress to VMS harmonisation required sharing explicitly the VMS design parameters in use, as well establishing a pragmatic co-operation context with operators sharing similar VMS devices and road/traffic problems. The authors refer to the history of road signs and the international standardisation process. They look at the development of new display formats including new technology in-car displays. Up until recently, the national up-take of VMS was taking place at a faster pace than the international harmonisation process. Obstacles to harmonisation include language, variations in VMS devices leading to variations in the appearance of pictograms and text; and the availability and comprehensibility (or otherwise) of abstract signs or pictograms. The key aspect of harmonisation is where, what and how information should be display on VMS. The Mare Nostrum partners are working together in sharing their views, solving problems and proposing harmonised VMS solutions. The next steps include building up harmonisation following a fixed procedure, combining knowledge on traffic management priorities at EU level with empirical methods and empirical tests, followed by diffusion of results in the form of VMS recommendations.
Abstract