Traffic information for motorists to be fine tuned
Motorists on key routes into the city are to benefit from improved traffic information to cut journey times in the event of unplanned traffic incidents.
A new messaging schedule and timetable is being developed for the Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) system which will give immediate information on unplanned incidents and emergencies meaning motorists will be able to avoid congestion more easily.
Currently messages displayed on the 29 signs on the main routes into the city are dictated by government regulations and any further 'non-standard messages' need specific approval from the Department for Transport.
Cllr Barbara Mace, assistant executive member for regeneration, said:
"We have made a considerable investment in the VMS system which is used to give information on roadworks and events as well as to display road safety messages.
"We now need to make sure we respond more effectively to unplanned incidents and only to use road safety messages at appropriate times to ensure they do not lose their impact.
"The new schedule of messages reflecting planned highway works and special events will also help those who have to travel in and around Liverpool everyday plan their routes.
"It will also provide information for the expected influx of visitors for Capital of Culture in 2008 and in subsequent years."
VMS is part of the wider Urban Traffic Control (UTC) system and is operated from a city centre control room by 2020 Liverpool on behalf of the City Council.
The system is to be upgraded over the next two years to provide congestion and journey time monitoring information which will be displayed on the signs to help motorists plan their routes.
Cllr Mace added:
"Protocols are being established within UTC to ensure that the VMS system is used immediately as a routine part of the response to unplanned incidents.
"We are also working with the emergency services to make sure that the system is used to its full potential when dealing with emergencies."