Work is well underway by the Council to install state-of-the-art traffic electronic messaging signs around the outskirts and within Bath to provide better travel information for drivers entering the city, for £1.2million.
VMS systems are commonly seen in other cities.
Once fully functioning, the Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) will provide a range of information including incidents, events, car park space availability, and encourage motorists to use Park & Ride – all from the Council’s existing traffic control room at the touch of a button.
The improvements to driver information are part of the Bath Transportation Package which is upgrading the city’s transport system to tackle congestion and provide the infrastructure necessary to support new homes and jobs.
Over the coming months, 8 VMS will be installed at key locations outside the city and 6 more centrally located direction signs which will show car parking availability.
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “Up to the minute traffic information is a crucial part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s plan to manage congestion hot spots.
“The sooner drivers are aware upon approach to Bath of an incident on the network, space availability at our expanded Park & Ride sites, or busy events taking place, the sooner they can make an informed decision about their next course of action and avoid clogging-up a traffic hot spot even more.
“The temporary electronic signs the Council puts in place in the run-up to Christmas in locations like Bath Racecourse have proved useful in giving important messages and helping traffic flows, so these permanent fixtures will be crucial by operating all year round.”
The network of signs has been supported by local business groups. Ian Bell, Executive Director for Bath Chamber of Commerce, said, “What business wants to see are measures that will relieve traffic congestion so that staff and customers can get around the city more quickly and conveniently.
“Up to date traffic information on traffic conditions in the city centre must play a crucial part in any overall transport network upgrade, and we look forward to further improvements in the future, such as even more Park & Ride spaces.”
The locations of the VMS’ are:
- Lansdown near the Racecourse;
- A46 south of Dyrham;
- A420 near Cold Ashton;
- A39 near Corston;
- A4 between Saltford and Globe roundabout;
- A36 to Warminster near Hinton Charterhouse;
- A367 near Dunkerton;
- Batheaston Bypass;
Inner directional signs giving information on car parking space will be located on,
- Upper Bristol Road;
- Lower Bristol Road;
- Pulteney Road;
- Beckford Road;
- London Road;
- Walcot Street.
The total cost of this part of the Package is £1.2 million – this includes the signs, installation, and the electronic system. The Council will save around £20,000 per year from no longer needing the currently used temporary messaging signs.
The first VMS are due to be operational in late summer 2013 and the full network of signs is anticipated to be up and working later in the year in. The 8 outer Variable Messaging Signs are sized to ensure drivers can read the information easily whilst on the move. They are protected by a crash barrier in line with guidance from the Department for Transport.
The inner VMS signs are being integrated with existing road signage where appropriate to rationalise and improve clarity of signage, reflecting the Government’s guidance to reduce ‘street clutter’.
