Gov. Martin O'Malley hinted he might pull the rug out from under the State Highway Administration on its plans to flash expected travel times on message boards along major highways.
After hearing that commuters ere complaining that the messages were slowing traffic, O'Malley told WTOP radio said Wednesday that the messages should be stopped if they are causing a distraction.
The SHA recently announced plans to expand the program to the Baltimore and Capital beltways and other highways after what it called a successful test along Interstate 95, where signs deliver such messages as "15-17 minutes to I-695."
I've been traveling under the signs for months and never noticed any traffic slowdowns as a result. Nor do I find the messages distracting. But there's apparently a small but vocal percentage of motorists who object to them over real or perceived delays. O'Malley indicated the boards might be restricted to informing motorists of emergencies.
We're checking on the SHA's reaction and will let you know.
So what do you think? Useful service or needless distraction? Take our poll.