This issue of Current Topics includes over 70 abstracts of reports, conference papers, books and journal article which focus on the technology and design of variable message signs, and the ways in which drivers respond to them. Such signs are increasingly used to inform drivers of delays caused by, for example, congestion and roadworks; to advise drivers of weather conditions and consequent speed limits, to offer drivers information on parking space etc. Amongst the subjects covered by the abstracts are the style, size and content of the messages, maintenance of the signs, properties of suitable materials (eg fibre optics, LED, LCD), and the effect the signs have on driver behaviour. These items have been selected from the material added to the Transport Research Laboratory's Library Database between 1995 and 1998. Much of the relevant English language published literature from the UK, USA, Australia and Europe is included; some of the non-UK literature is included courtesy of the OECD International Road Research Documentation (IRRD) database.
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