Small-Scale Intelligent Transport System Applications for Low-Volume Roads: Some Experiments and Experiences from the North European VIKING Project

The Euroregional VIKING program includes several projects that have potential as intelligent low-volume road applications. In Finland, traffic volumes are on average very low and therefore the telematic applications often are designed to fit into low-volume traffic conditions as well. Some relevant projects are introduced. The projects include applications such as weather-controlled variable message signs and speed limits, local ferry traffic management, animal detection and warning system, cross-border data exchange in rural areas, and some ideas for the future such as managing the forest harvest traffic and low-cost road weather monitoring. Some of the experiences gained are encouraging but a lot of research needs to be done in future years. Although the applications described are evaluated as potential low-volume road solutions, many other applications may become available as the real prices of telematic equipment and systems fall over time. Recent estimates of the fall of real prices suggest that prices may decrease significantly, perhaps within 1 decade.