It's crucial to keep traffic moving and there are many traffic management measures in place on Scotland's trunk road network, including -
- Overhead Gantry signal control
- Automatic queue detection systems
- Real-time traffic information for drivers via roadside variable message signs (VMS)
- Journey time information systems
At present, the trunk road network is only congested for limited periods of time, either because of peaks in demand or because of temporary lane restrictions caused by accidents or roadworks. Improved driver information can help to alleviate congestion.
Drivers on Scotland's trunk roads are provided with up-to-the-minute information about road conditions by Traffic Scotland (formerly NADICS).
This groundbreaking system was established by the Scottish Government to improve safety and efficiency. Messages are displayed on variable signs to give drivers advance warning of problems such as -
- Roadworks
- Accidents
- Bad weather conditions
- Road closures
- Lane closures
- Speed restrictions
Road workers are out on busy motorways in all conditions and often at night. To protect them and to keep you safe, high visibility signs let you know what to expect, how far until you reach the roadworks and what to do when you get there.
If you see these signs, stay alert and be prepared for different driving conditions ahead.
The Scottish Government has also introduced a new approach to clearing congestion caused by incidents and hazards, which is currently in place on trunk roads in and around Glasgow.
This new Incident Support Service deploys specially trained staff to patrol designated motorways and trunk roads to provide early support to the police and to deal with emerging issues which may restrict the movement of traffic. This might include -
- Assisting at the scene of motor vehicle accidents
- Removing damaged and abandoned vehicles
- Clearing debris
- Providing temporary road closures
