Urban incident management using integrated control and information systems

This paper is concerned with the development of strategies for integrated management and control for incident situations, a particular aspect of the TTIC (traffic and travel information centre). The use of VMS (variable message signs) to inform drivers of conditions ahead, when combined with integrated traffic control strategies, can be extremely cost effective in an urban network. However, certain network conditions have to be met for this to happen, and comprehensive and effective monitoring and incident detection systems must be in place. Also, the majority of the benefits are derived from a small number of major incidents and their frequency and location with respect to diversion points can significantly affect the levels of benefi