Abstract² This paper presents the general strategy concerning Variable Message Sign harmonization in Europe represented by the work of the Expert and Study Group 4-Mare Nostrum (ESG4) within the EasyWay program. Co-funded by the European Commission and participated by 22 European Member States, EasyWay focuses on ITS implementation integrating stakeholders from the public and private sector. The paper shows some empirical data to illustrate the slow but careful, integral approach followed by ESG4 in order to issue specific recommendations concerning Variable Message Signs design and use in Europe.
This article explores the most appropriate arrangement (vertical, horizontal) and the frame of reference adopted by drivers (intrinsic, relative) as determinants of the comprehension of new traffic messages (e.g., congestion before arriving to Milan). Two specific cases for location (event-before-city, event-after-city) were tested following two layouts: H (horizontal, left-right) and V (vertical, bottom-up). Four comprehension tests carried out between 2006 and 2013 with 10,099 drivers in four countries (Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden) were analyzed in a 2 (case: Before vs. After) × 2 (disposition: H, V) × 4 (Country) betweensubject design. The comprehension of the V variants (78.1%) exceeded the comprehension of the H variants (54.1%) in all the countries in the "before" case. In no country did the V or H variants come close to functional understanding in the "after" case. The results provided evidence of the preferred model and relative frame of reference as determinants of message understanding.
Judged comprehensibility: The HOV lane case Keywords: high occupancy vehicle lane, judged comprehensibility, iconicity Most urban car trips register low occupancy rates, around 1.20 passengers per car. Originated in the US in the late 1960s, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes aim to improve mobility by optimizing vehicle occupancy and thus bring on an improved traffic flow, more efficient fuel economy and better environment. Madrid benefits from a 10 year-old HOV lane that has enjoyed success in terms of its functional traffic flow parameters. Variable Message Signs indicate the HOV lane availability, although the essential information is displayed via text. The study tests the judged comprehensibility of several pictograms intended for the HOV lane referent.
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