New highway message system cuts downtime for hauliers

The installation of ten
Variable Message Signs
(VMS) at key points along
the N3 Toll Route has been
welcomed by the haulage
industry and motorists alike.
According to Con Roux,
commercial manager of the
N3 Toll Concession (N3TC),
the haulage industry in
particular has benefited from
the system as drivers can
now make informed decisions
before being caught at the
scene of an incident. This
ensures more productive
schedules which can be better
planned.
Installed ahead of the
festive season, the signs
were used extensively during
December not only to convey
incident issues to road users,
but also for road safety
messages.
Strategically located
between Heidelberg and
Cedara, the aim of the signs
is to ensure road users make
informed decisions based on
a variety of eventualities that
could take place along the
road.
“The signs give motorists
and truck drivers the benefit
of foresight to proceed with
great caution, to stop for a
rest or to even opt to use an
alternative road,” said Roux.
Through an advanced
technological platform, any
or all of the signs along the
route can be updated to allow
for real-time information to
be provided to motorists as
soon as it becomes known
to N3TC – be it weather
conditions or an incident
that has impeded the flow of
traffic.
According to Roux
the VMS system is about
keeping travellers informed at
all times.
“We believe it will improve
road safety along the N3 Toll
Route and provide valuable
information to our customers
at any time of the day or
night,” he added.