MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) is the new signal control strategy researched and developed by TRRL for independently operated traffic signal controlled junctions. Data from vehicle detectors on the junction approaches are analysed by an on-line microprocessor implementing the MOVA program; the durations of the green signals are controlled by a delay-and-stops-minimising logic, or, if any approaches become congested, by a capacity-maximising process. The Department of Transport hardware approvals procedure required the trial installation of 20 production MOVA units, and these have been used to demonstrate the strategy under a wide range of site conditions and traffic flows. The MOVA units were fitted into the existing signal controllers using standard interfaces. The trial has confirmed the earlier research findings of an average 13% delay reduction due to MOVA, compared to up to date D-system VA operation, which is the present standard system used in the UK. The trial has enabled TRRL to gain considerable experience in setting up and operating the MOVA system, and the experiences, problems and lessons learned are reported. Three MOVA application guides (AG10, `MOVA' Traffic Control Manual; AG11, `MOVA' Data Set-up Guide and AG12, `MOVA' Equipment User Guide) cover all aspects of the MOVA system and have benefitted from the experience gained during the trials. Results from an automatic assessment system, and the economic benefits of implementing MOVA at the 20 sites are presented.
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