Middlesbrough Variable Message Signs
New Variable Message Signs have been installed on a number of key routes into the town centre. The signs have been funded from the government funded Local Transport Plan capital budget. Following a testing and commissioning programme most of the signs became operational on Tuesday 17th December. The signs will provide real time information on available parking spaces as well as being able to give advanced warning of road works, road safety and diversion information. Details of the sign locations and the main information that will be displayed are shown below.
Sign Ref.
Location
Information to be Displayed
VMS1
A66 Eastbound at Hartington Interchange
Availability of spaces in Zetland, Captain Cook Square and Hill Street Car Parks
VMS2
A66 Westbound at Hartington Interchange
Availability of spaces in Zetland, Captain Cook Square and Hill Street Car Parks
VMS3
A66 Eastbound at Marton Road Interchange
Availability of spaces in Cleveland Centre and Dundas Car Parks (when available)
VMS4
A66 Westbound at Marton Road Interchange
Availability of spaces in Cleveland Centre and Dundas Car Parks (when available)
VMS5
Marton Road Northbound at Borough Road
Availability of spaces in Cleveland Centre and Dundas Car Parks (when available)
VMS6
Linthorpe Road Northbound at Borough Road
None – sign not yet in position
VMS7
A66 Eastbound at Cargo Fleet Roundabout
Generic Road Safety Messages (see list below)
VMS8
A66 Westbound at Cargo Fleet Roundabout
Generic Road Safety Messages (see list below)
VMS9
A172 Dixons Bank Northbound at Stainton Way
Generic Road Safety Messages (see list below)
VMS10
A172 Stokesley Road Northbound at A174 Parkway
Generic Road Safety Messages (see list below)
The general principle is to make use of the limited real time data that we currently have (i.e. car park occupancy) at the locations where that data is relevant to drivers, and to display generic road safety messages (as listed below, rotated on a regular basis) at the remaining locations.
In the longer term, and as more real time data comes on stream, we will be able to display additional information, such as journey times, and to run automatically generated strategies should unplanned incidents occur.
DfT Think Campaign Messages - these are standard road safety messages:
Think! Don't Drink And Drive
Think! Don't Drive Tired
Think! Don't Phone While Driving
Think! Don't Text While Driving
Take A Break
Watch Your Speed
Keep Your Distance
Messages related to legal requirements:
Use Correct Child Seat
Fasten Your Seatbelt
Use Seatbelts
Belt Up In The Back
Think! Don't Phone While Driving
Think! Don't Text While Driving
Think! Don't Drink And Drive
Watch Your Speed
Weather Conditions:
Snow Forecast
Freezing Conditions Forecast
Keep Windscreens Clear
Low Temp Forecast
Is Your Vehicle Ready For Winter
Driver Behaviour:
Think Bike
Drive Safely
Keep A Safe Distance
Frustration Can Cause Accidents
Don't Adjust Sat Nav When Driving
Drive To Road Conditions
Please Be A Courteous Driver
Vehicles:
Check Tyre Pressure Regularly
Need Fuel?
Take Extra Care When Towing
