One of the major goals of the Finnish Road Administration (FinnRA) is to promote traffic safety, (e.g) by improving the quality of traffic flow on the roads. In densely populated areas there are traffic signal systems in use controlling the traffic flow on roads linked together. The development of telematics in 1980's and 1990's has also made it possible to install new telematic roadside systems on rural roads. The operation of these systems is based on the utilisation of various real time data concerning the road conditions, weather and traffic.

Variable speed limits are employed to manage traffic along road sections. Nowadays these systems exist on some important 2-lane main roads and on two short motorways comprising almost 300 kilometres in total. The speed limits are displayed according to the road surface condition and weather monitored in real time. Occasional disturbances for traffic such as road accident or road maintenance work, may be reasons for a lowered speed limit displayed as well. Furthermore, variable message and traffic signs may be used as complementary tools, for example, to inform the drivers of road weather conditions or important traffic incidents.

Variable speed limit signs have also been installed at some special sites, where accident risk is high, in order to lower the speed limit for a short period of time. It must be understood that the speed limit displayed always indicates the maximum driving speed allowed after the sign. Every driver, however, has the duty to reduce his or her driving speed to a safe level according to the current driving conditions.

Furthermore there are isolated variable traffic and message signs on the road network. These signs are installed at locations with proven, or potentially high, accident risk. Signs are also used to inform drivers concerning exceptional traffic arrangements or other important traffic related information.

Finnra continues to take moderate steps in the implementation of variable message signs. The effects of these telematic systems on traffic behaviour has to be studied further. This knowledge will be used to improve the operational aspects of the existing systems and to consider the need for new installations.