Variable Message Signs

These signs can be found in key locations on major urban and inter-urban routes (excluding motorway EMS and Matrix signs, which are controlled by the Highways Agency's Regional Control Centre). The purpose of the VMS (and EMS) is to provide live traffic information to drivers mid-journey, such as incidents, point-to-point journey times, and advance notice of special events that are likely to affect traffic flow.

EMS and VMS in the Hampshire area can be set by Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth authorities, (except where this falls into the Highways Agency's domain).