The purpose of the Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) is to facilitate smoother flowing and safer traffic on Japan's network of roads. The concept of the VICS is that by providing drivers with real time traffic information, it would lead drivers to naturally select preferable routes, and disperse the traffic flow efficiently. Feasibility studies were conducted to not only ascertain whether or not such a system was technically possible, but more importantly whether or not VICS could be implemented as a societal system, harmonizing public policy with private sector initiative. The VICS gradually took shape using a natural division of labor among the public, private and academic sectors. The National Police Agency, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and Ministry of Construction - the three government agencies responsible for traffic control, radio waves and road administration - collaborated in these areas, while fundraising for the operating costs of the VICS Center, as well as the development and marketing of VICS units, was entrusted to private sector initiative.
Samenvatting