Western Ring Road

In late 2002, Axent Global successfully completed the Variable Speed Limit System (VSLS) on the Western Ring Road.

The aim of the variable speed limit system is to improve road safety and traffic flow on the Western Ring Road by selecting and indicating speed limits which are consistent with the prevailing traffic conditions. High traffic volumes on the Western Ring Road at certain times can cause breakdowns in flow which results in traffic build up and accidents. The dynamic nature of the variable speed limit system allows it to change speed limits at any time of the day to respond to traffic conditions.

Project Photos

The variable speed limit system is linked to a series of speed cameras to automatically enforce the speed limit.

How it works
The variable speed limit system determines the most appropriate safe driving speed to optimise traffic flow based on the real time traffic information which is being collected from data collection stations on the Western Ring Road.

These speed limits are displayed to motorists by a series of roadside electronic variable speed limit signs. A total of 74 signs have been installed on the road. The signs which operate continuously are capable of displaying speed limits from 50kmh through to 100 kmh.

At times when the speed zone changes from its normal state (ie. 100kmh), part of the red annulus of the speed limit signs flashes. This alert approaching drivers to the changed speed limit.

Changes to the variable speed limit signs occur automatically but will also be capable of being manually operated from the VicRoads Traffic Control Centre.

Speed Cameras
In conjunction with the variable speed limit system, a series of fixed digital speed cameras have been installed on the Western Ring Road. To allow motorists to adjust to changes in the speed limit which occur from time to time, a time delay between the operation of the speed cameras and any speed limit change has been established.

The Benefits
The Variable Speed Limit and Speed Camera systems on the Western Ring Road will provide significant benefits in terms of efficient traffic flow and road safety improvements.

Through the use of these systems, it is expected that:
• The level of traffic accidents will be reduced
• There will be improvements in traffic flow and travel times
• Traffic queues will be lessened
• Motorist stress levels will be reduced, and
• Safety for emergency services personnel will be improved during incidents.
• So far, the analysis of data is indicating that the system is working to a very high degree and proving to be a very worthwhile tool on the Western Ring Road

Click here for more information on our Electronic Speed Limit Signs in our 'Product Catalogue'