Mare Nostrum VMS long distance corridor: checking the comprehension of international alphanumeric formulations for distance and length

The paper focuses on variable message signs (VMS) that can combine pictograms with text and display all road signing functions. The combination of pictograms and text in the so-called Multipurpose VMS confronts many problems within international areas. Besides the 'traditional' pictogram issues, some abstract formulations for distance, length and its combinations are next in the list of road operators signing priorities, all concerning the alphanumeric part. Several public and private road operators in France, Italy, Netherlands and Spain are currently tackling this problem. For the covering abstract see ITRD E140665.