This paper describes the emergence of a standardised modular information system to control, support, and promote variable message sign (VMS) initiatives in The Netherlands in a flexible way. It outlines the state of practice and the role of dynamic information in Dutch traffic management. It describes as a case study a project in Amsterdam, using 19 VMS, which shows how to use information to optimise route choice and help road users to adjust to circumstances like road works or extreme weather conditions. The second part of the paper focuses on the standardisation efforts that have been carried out. Standardisation is necessary to avoid uncontrolled growth of different applications of dynamic information and different appearances of such information along the road. Standardised functional and technical specifications were developed for: (1) dynamic signs; (2) a central dynamic route information panel (DRIP) management system (CDMS); and (3) a communication protocol. This specification is used as a framework for all possible DRIP applications. Finally, some new developments are presented. Results of a major study of the strengths and weaknesses of graphical information will be available. Structures for information on transport corridors have been tested and will be included in the Central DRIP System.
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