The drivers on City roads will have access to “graphic information” on traffic ahead, with the police set to instal 20 state-of-the-art variable message signboards (VMSs).
The new signboards have several unique features compared to the 20 VMSs installed in April 2010. While the size will remain the same, the new ones have the ability to flash road images and alternative routes in multiple colours.
“They will pinpoint the exact location of traffic congestion or slow movement of vehicles. This information will be extremely useful for road users,” Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Safety) B Dayananda told Deccan Herald.
The VMSs now in use just flash alerts about congestion on particular roads, but do not indicate the exact location. Nonetheless, they have proved useful.
“VMSs have proved successful in traffic management and hence we decided to increase their number,” Dayananda added. Though the total cost of the project has not been finalised, a tender will be called soon to procure the signboards. The cost may run into crores of rupees and the new VMSs are expected to be installed by March,” he said.
The locations for installing the VMSs will be finalised after a survey. Several factors — traffic congestion, wider roads without trees/huge structures (as they block the view) — will be considered while selecting the locations. Most signboards are likely to be installed on main and arterial roads as there will always be congestion, Dayananda added.
Police had proposed to flash alerts on arrivals and departures of flights on one of the VMSs set up on Hebbal Road in 2010. The initiative did not materialise.
“Currently, the BBMP has removed the VMSs on Hebbal Road to facilitate some project. We have not taken any decision to flash such information yet. We will take an affirmative decision if BIAL comes forward to share the data,” Dayananda said.
The traffic police claimed that many accidents occur on the International Airport Road as vehicles are driven at great speed to ensure that the passengers do not miss their flights. Real-time information on flight timings would help drivers regulate speed.
The VMS concept was considered a waste of public money by a section of society on the ground that the alternatives available were extremely limited while moving on a congested road.
“VMS is a major component of Intelligent Transport System worldwide. The project has been a success in major cities in the world. We were able to handle the situation better during the recent rally of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
We continuously flashed alerts for more than a week which helped road users to take suitable decisions. The VMSs are used not just to convey traffic-related information, but also to create awareness on traffic rules,” Dayananda added.
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