6.10Placement and operation of Portable Variable Message Sign (VMS)#
Insert lead in sentence to this Section:
Please note Portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) referred to in this section, are referred to as Temporary Variable Message Signs (TVMS) in Queensland.
6.10.1Principles and guidance#
The requirements for TVMSs apply to both trailer-mounted VMS and vehicle-mounted VMS.
The need for a TVMS will be determined by either technical documents (including the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Queensland MUTCD), or Queensland Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM) or contract documents such as Technical Specification MRTS02 Provision for traffic) or by a risk assessment.
The longitudinal and lateral placement requirements for a TVMS are subject to the requirements of Sections 6.10.3 and 6.10.4 and a risk assessment.
6.10.2Aiming distance#
Replace:
Wherever practicable, a VMS should be aimed to the centre of the nearest lane for approaching traffic, using the desirable aiming distance specified in Table 6.1 below, and as shown in Figure 6.2. If the VMS displays two screens, more distance is required for motorists to read and comprehend the sign.
with:
Wherever practicable, a VMS should be aimed to the centre of the nearest lane for approaching traffic, using the desirable aiming distance specified in Table 6.2 below, and as shown in Figure 6.1. If the VMS displays two screens, more distance is required for motorists to read and comprehend the sign.
The TVMS aiming distances (Table 6.2) and angle to approaching vehicles (Figure 6.1) are recommendations which may need to be modified based on the design and visibility characteristics of the message on the TVMS, and the road geometry. See Section 6.10.7 for the drive through requirements.
6.10.4Lateral placement#
Replace item (c):
Where practicable, the portable VMS should be positioned behind semi-rigid or rigid protection (e.g. guard fence, wire rope).
with:
Where practicable, the TVMS should be positioned behind semi-rigid or rigid protection (for example, guard fence, wire rope) and outside the appropriate deflection zone clearance area behind the barrier.
Add after the dot points:
The TVMS should be located in accordance with the provisions of this section (items (a) to (e), as applicable) or outside the applicable clear zone (see Section 6.11).
The further a TVMS can be located from the traffic lane (lateral clearance, see Figure 6.12), the less likely it will be impacted by errant vehicles; however, to perform satisfactorily, the TVMS must be located where drivers will easily see and read the messages displayed.
6.10.6Other location requirements#
Subject to the requirements in the previous section, the TVMS should be located so that it does not interfere with, or block visibility to, other official roadside signs and roadside advertising devices. It may be necessary to also consider impact for drivers approaching the rear of the TVMS.
Sight lines for road users from adjoining roads or driveways should also be considered.
Where the TVMS is to be located near a roadside advertising billboard, the requirements of the Roadside Advertising Manual, Clause 2.1.2.2 and Appendix C should be considered, with the TVMS desirably being located outside any restriction areas for the billboard if practicable.
6.10.7Drive through requirements#
Legibility and readability of the TVMS must be confirmed using a 'drive through' of the site. If there are two alternating screens on the TVMS, ensure both screens can be easily read while travelling at the speed limit on approach. It may be necessary to adjust the aiming distance, angle of the TVMS to traffic and screen timing to ensure the message(s) on the TVMS are both legible and readable.
6.10.8TVMS specification#
TVMSs must be manufactured in accordance with the Transport and Main Roads Technical Specification MRTS262 Temporary Variable Message Signs.
6.10.9Display of messages on TVMSs#
The use of the TVMS to display roadside signs or text messages must be in accordance with the Queensland MUTCD Clauses 4.22 Variable message signs used at roadworks and 4.24 Display of electronic signs.