Incident management using MOLA

A small perturbation in smooth flow can cause a disproportionately large disruption over a wide area. It is therefore necessary to use the spare capacity on the network in these circumstances by spreading the load and thus minimising the disruption. One approach to this is to use variable message signs (VMS) to control traffic over a wide area. To address this need, the MCONTRM On Line Assistant (MOLA) is currently being developed at TRL within a TCC (Traffic Communications and Control, Highways Agency) funded project. It is designed to provide advice to police operators within a traffic control centre on the best diversion strategy to adopt in the event of an incident