Project Launch: Guidelines for Speed Reader Board Devices

A project to develop design and application guidelines for speed reader board devices has been launched by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC).

Dynamic speed display signs are being used in many jurisdictions across Canada. The devices display the speed of passing vehicles, typically along with a sign showing the posted speed limit.

Intended to increase driver awareness of speed limits, some devices used in the field present excessive distraction potential and may not achieve their intended goal. The design, application and use of speed reader boards are not covered by any current TAC guideline.

Recommended by the Traffic Operations and Management Standing Committee, work in this project will include:

• a review of speed reader  devices  currently available on the market, as well as
• a review of existing practices and related guidelines for their application

Building on this research, the ultimate objective of the project will be to establish best practices and develop guidelines for speed reader device design and application.

The project steering committee will be finalizing its request for proposals and selecting the project consultant in the near future.

Project funding partners include Alberta Transportation, British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation, New Brunswick Transportation and Infrastructure, Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, le ministère des Transports du Québec, Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure, Yukon Highways and Public Works, the Halifax Regional Municipality and the cities of Kelowna, Montreal, Ottawa and Surrey.