7Electronic signs#

7.1Variable Message Signs#

7.1.2Applications#

Non-Transport and Main Roads variable message sign installation applications on state-controlled roads for displaying road and traffic condition information#

The purpose of this section is to provide advice to ensure road safety on Queensland roads is not compromised in the operation of variable message signs (VMS) whilst supporting communication with the local community. The conditional use of VMS by other state agencies, local government or private road operators on Queensland roads can provide benefits for communities and motorists. Any state agency, local government or private road operator seeking to purchase and install a VMS device should seek early advice from the relevant Transport and Main Roads office. Any organisation seeking to install a device within Queensland’s state-controlled road network must first apply for a Road Corridor Permit. The VMS must comply with Transport and Main Roads Technical Specification MRTS202 Variable Message Signs. It is expected, in providing approval for installation of a VMS device within the Queensland road environment, that all relevant safety related guidelines will be adhered to. A condition of approval is that the state can access and operate the VMS during times of emergency. To enable this, the sign must be supported* by STREAMS, which is the Transport and Main Roads traffic management system and primary user interface to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

The location of a VMS close to an intersection or pedestrian crossing concerns the department due to the proximity of LED traffic lights and the many conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians. The use of the VMS is restricted to the display of information of community significance and/or of ‘state importance’ and must not be used for other purposes. ‘State importance’ is defined as a message that is approved by authorised officers of the Queensland Police Service, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services or Transport and Main Roads. Any use of VMS is required to be in accordance with this section.

VMS must not be used to for:

• displaying organisation names
• political advertising*
• commercial use, or
• deriving revenue.

The VMS is to be appropriately branded to identify ownership by the purchasing organisation. It is acceptable to use VMS to promote local government initiatives (for example, ‘Watch every drop’).

7.3Variable message sign messages#

7.3.1Types of messages and symbols#

Queensland-specific advice for message priorities#

See Information for display on variable message signs organisational policy on the departmental Engineering Policies webpage.

7.3.2Abbreviations#

Abbreviations – Queensland#

See Appendix C for approved Queensland-specific variants on national guidance for abbreviations for use on variable message signs.

7.4Message content and format#

Variable message sign statements#

See Appendix D for approved Queensland-specific variants on national guidance for variable message signs problem statements. See Appendix E for approved Queensland-specific variants on national guidance for generic messages.

7.6Applications of VMS#

7.6.9Vehicle activated intersection and road geometry signs#

Bicycle activated warning signs in Queensland#

Refer to Bicycle activated warning signs guideline. This guideline is issued as an approved notice under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.

7.7Electronic speed limit signs#

Variable speed limit and lane control signs in Queensland#

Refer to:

• Permanent placement of variable speed limit and lane control signs for motorways, long bridges and tunnels guideline. This guideline is issued as an approved notice under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
• Collocation of gantry-mounted variable speed limit signs with static and monochrome variable message signs guideline. This guideline is issued as an approved notice under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.

7.8Portable / temporary variable message signs#

Use of temporary variable speed limit signs in construction and maintenance work areas on motorways#

This content has been incorporated into the Queensland Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM) released on 30 November 2020.