ROUTE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

The present route information system in the Netherlands is capable of improvement in various respects. The various sources of information must be better attuned to one another, and distribution should be more even. A relatively large amount of prior knowledge is needed before signposting can be used effectively. The amount of information which drivers have to assimilate must be kept within realistic limits. This applies both to information to be assimilated before the journey and to information fed to drivers en route. As far as possible route information should not compete for the driver's attention with the information he needs to keep the vehicle on the road and to carry out manoeuvres. The road maps currently available could be improved. Possible improvements include the systematic numbering of roads, the numbering and naming of motorway and other exits, mapping of alternative routes, the inclusion on maps of reference points used in broadcast traffic bulletins, and the addition of indexes of place names and important reference points or landmarks. Signposting can be improved by attuning it to the functional classification of road networks, and by the numbering of exits coupled with a permanent system of alternative routes with roads numbered systematically. The reliability of broadcast traffic information should be improved by better data collection. Research is currently being conducted on the applicability of route information which could be displayed on request at motorway restaurants and petrol stations. Flexible signposting appears not to have a great deal to offer for the Netherlands due to the lack of proper alternative routes and the relatively rare occurrence of serious congestion. The greatest possible account should be taken of future developments. Care must be taken to ensure that the introduction of a new system does not hamper the later introduction of foreseeably better systems. Road-user education about the nature and function of mapping and signposting will make drivers' tasks easier (e.g. Route planning, choice of orientation points, route following, etc). The prospects for individual route information in the vehicle appear dubious, considering the equipment needed and its expense. For the covering abstract of the report see TRIS 393193. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9062751369
• Corporate Authors:

  Delft University Press

  11 Mijnbouwplein
  Delft,   Netherlands 
• Authors:
  • OEI, H L
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 19-27

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Driver education; Driver information systems; Itinerary; Maps; Overhead traffic signs; Radio; Route choice; Route signs; Traffic control; Traffic signals; Variables
• ITRD Terms: 699: Itinerary; 4074: Map; 511: Overhead traffic sign; 6947: Radio; 8645: Software; 654: Traffic control; 565: Traffic signal; 9086: Variability
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00393194
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Institute for Road Safety Research, SWOV
• ISBN: 90-6275-136-9
• Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 30 1985 12:00AM