A new three-part signal is to be tested on the m1 motorway in Bedfordshire between junctions 10 and 13 starting in autumn 1979. The existing motorway signals have not been found to be as effective as is desirable in limiting traffic speeds at hazardous times or in preparing drivers for the hazards about to be met. Motorists would, hopefully, be more prepared and thus respond better to advisory speed limits if the signals showed the nature of the hazard and, when appropriate, its distance ahead. Pictograms have been designed after tests both in the laboratory and on the test track in which several factors, including drivers' understanding of the pictograms, perception times and recognition distances have been studied. Nine signals on the northbound carriageway will be replaced by the new signals. Drivers' response to them will be compared with their response to the existing signals, investigations into which have been undertaken in 1979.
Abstract