Traffic cops come out with glowing message

To improve efficiency in managing traffic on city’s arterial roads after dark, the Delhi traffic police, in line with several cities of the US and UK, have introduced variable message signs (VMS) on an experimental basis. Subhendu Ray reports.

You will be able to get real-time traffic information when driving on busy arterial roads during night hours from now on.

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To improve efficiency in managing traffic on city’s arterial roads after dark, the Delhi traffic police, in line with several cities of the US and UK, have introduced variable message signs (VMS) on an experimental basis.

The signs - originally an important component of Delhi police’s yet-to-materialise-dream Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) project - will help motorists efficiently negotiate traffic situation, the traffic police believe. The traffic control device will provide motorists information about traffic congestion, traffic crashes, maintenance, operations, roadway conditions, organised events, or other highway features.

The Light Emitting Diodes (LED)-based VMS provides text and graphical messages (see box) through large electronic screens, which are visible from a distance. VMS is capable of displaying several messages in a sequence and can be repeated. Such messages can be charged manually, by remote control or by automatic control.

“We have procured 15 units and are using them on a trial basis. Soon we will initiate the process of procuring more such units through tender,” said Anil Shukla, additional commissioner of police (traffic).

VMS units are being placed at strategic locations which make them visible to the road users from a distance, he said. The department has now started using VMS during night hours on arterial roads to manage traffic in a better way as well as incorporate sense of discipline among road users.

VMS units have proved to be quite useful in conveying the traffic conditions to the drivers on real-time basis in several countries for the past four decades.Traffic police said they had installed the units on some of the busy arterial roads such as Mathura road, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, DND, national highways and Delhi border, which see a sudden influx of commercial vehicles in the city during night.