The use of information columns in the mobility chain. Traffic congestion in inner cities is expected to increase as a result of the concentration of functions. This will have an adverse effect on accessibility and the quality of life. As part of the reduction of car use, dynamic travel and traffic information may play a key role in the mobility chain. Despite increasing interest for this method in the Netherlands, the supply of dynamic travel and traffic information by means of information columns is still in its infancy. This is not so much caused by a failure to apply the appropriate or latest technique or establish co-operation between the various parties involved (exchange of information) but rather by difficulties relating to design (recognisability), ergonomics (use), the way in which the information is offered, the amount of dynamic information in terms of time and location and the location of the information column. Key to this project is the question of which minimum conditions information columns must meet in terms of layout (e.g. symbols, font, menu control), colour use and amount of information needed in order to ensure that travellers in the mobility chain receive guidance. If, at one or more decision-making moments, travellers receive appropriate information on transport modalities other than the car or on alternative routes, they may be able to make a more well-considered, i.e. more efficient, choice, thus promoting the accessibility and quality of life in our cities. (Author/publisher)
Abstract