Upgrading cultural infrastructures: Notes on the strategy concerning variable message signs on the European scene

Abstract

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.

On drivers’ reasoning about traffic signs: The case of qualitative location.

“…Other words (e.g., prepositions, conjunctions, and the like) were not allowed. Some tests performed in parallel in 10 European countries (ES, IT, NL, and SE included) determined that these danger warning pictograms used in these studies obtained average comprehension rates above 89.8% with or without the red triangle (Lucas-Alba et al, 2011). Showing the same silhouette without the red triangle prompted significantly fewer mentions of the word “danger” or “caution” and allowed extra space for the pictogram.…”

“…Message presentation (static in 2006-2011 vs. web-based simulator in 2013) provided the same reading window (8 s), and the simulator did not allow drivers to manipulate lane change or speed. Although studies focused on location formulations and pictograms enjoyed similarly high comprehension rates (Lucas-Alba et al, 2011), variants were unevenly distributed across studies. None of these factors above showed a statistically significant effect on comprehension, but all these methodological issues should be considered as a limitation to be overcome in further studies.…”