The European VMS Platform has been set up to address issues related to the Trans European Road Network (TERN) and members include the National Road Administrators and Highway Authorities from a number of European Countries. Within Europe a number of projects are currently being undertaken which use VMS to address cross boundary issues. The use of VMS as a tool for disseminating information is therefore expanding with installation programs in a number of countries. This paper gives a brief overview of the European VMS Platform and discusses the approach taken to harmonize VMS related issues across Europe. Furthermore the paper discusses the methods used by the platform, the results of the discussions and covers issues where harmonization is moving forward. Areas where harmonization can only be achieved by allowing a range of options are also being identified. Member countries are writing a series of position papers outlining the policies and practices relating to Variable Message Signs in their respective countries. This paper discusses some of the salient points from these papers, however more complete results will be presented at the conference.
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