HIGHWAYS AGE N CY DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF LEGENDS VMS legends must be suitable for all drivers to read, and due to limited availability shall focus on providing information that benefits the largest number of customers using the road network. A risk based approach has been taken to ensure that all legends and guiding principles found within this policy document are appropriate for use. Research carried out in 2010 by Nottingham University on behalf of the Highways Agency has proven that it is appropriate to display legends on fixed VMS which contain a maximum of 7 pieces of information, using an absolute maximum of 10 words, although best practice is that legends should be restricted to a maximum of 8 words. Portable VMS are located on a verge, and not above a carriageway. Due to this all legends shown on portable VMS shall not contain more than 4 units of information as the verge location limits the amount of time drivers have to read and absorb the information displayed. Volume 8, Section 2 (TD33/05) of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) provides more detailed guidance on the maximum number of words which are permitted for use in VMS legends. A piece of information can contain more than one word . For example 'HARD SHOULDER ' and 'JCT 25' each represent one piece of information but contain two words. When constructing legends the order and principle of LPEG shall be followed, although not all of the 4 principles are required for every legend -for example tactical legends mainly focus on the Problem (ACCIDENT ) and Guidance (SLOW DOWN). Location - Where is the problem? (M6 J32/M25 J20-21) Problem - What is the problem? (Accident/Major Event/Closed) Effect- What has the problem caused? (Delays/Long Delays/45 MIN DELAY) Guidance- What should be done? (Slow Down/Use M1/Follow Diversion) The TSRGD prescribes how flashing amber lamps are to be used to support certain VMS legends. Flashing amber lamps should only be used in tactical legends which contain an imperative i.e. SLOW DOWN, and also in strategic legends which detail a full motorway closure.All other legends should not use flashing amber lights. The flashing red and amber elements of a variable signal shall only be used as described in Schedule 11 of the TSRGD . Dep<At tmem f or Highways Agency policy for the use of Variable Signs and Signals (VSS) V 1.01 An executive •gcncy of the
HIGHWAYS AGE N CY DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF LEGENDS VMS legends must be suitable for all drivers to read, and due to limited availability shall focus on providing information that benefits the largest number of customers using the road network. A risk based approach has been taken to ensure that all legends and guiding principles found within this policy document are appropriate for use. Research carried out in 2010 by Nottingham University on behalf of the Highways Agency has proven that it is appropriate to display legends on fixed VMS which contain a maximum of 7 pieces of information, using an absolute maximum of 10 words, although best practice is that legends should be restricted to a maximum of 8 words. Portable VMS are located on a verge, and not above a carriageway. Due to this all legends shown on portable VMS shall not contain more than 4 units of information as the verge location limits the amount of time drivers have to read and absorb the information displayed. Volume 8, Section 2 (TD33/05) of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) provides more detailed guidance on the maximum number of words which are permitted for use in VMS legends. A piece of information can contain more than one word . For example 'HARD SHOULDER ' and 'JCT 25' each represent one piece of information but contain two words. When constructing legends the order and principle of LPEG shall be followed, although not all of the 4 principles are required for every legend -for example tactical legends mainly focus on the Problem (ACCIDENT ) and Guidance (SLOW DOWN). Location - Where is the problem? (M6 J32/M25 J20-21) Problem - What is the problem? (Accident/Major Event/Closed) Effect- What has the problem caused? (Delays/Long Delays/45 MIN DELAY) Guidance- What should be done? (Slow Down/Use M1/Follow Diversion) The TSRGD prescribes how flashing amber lamps are to be used to support certain VMS legends. Flashing amber lamps should only be used in tactical legends which contain an imperative i.e. SLOW DOWN, and also in strategic legends which detail a full motorway closure.All other legends should not use flashing amber lights. The flashing red and amber elements of a variable signal shall only be used as described in Schedule 11 of the TSRGD . Highways Agency policy for the use of Variable Signs and Signals (VSS) V 1.01 An executive •gcncy of the Dep<At tmem f or
HApolicy%20VSS.docx