Icelandic digital design company MomoGumi has released an Android app, Icelandic Traffic Signs, with information on Icelandic road signs in English and Japanese.
A screenshot of the English version of the app.
The app is free of charge and has been approved by the Icelandic Road Traffic Directorate.
Once installed, it can be used off-line, important the company says for when traveling in places like the Icelandic highlands.
According to a statement from MomoGumi, the company was inspired to make the app to help tourists after their own experience with unfamiliar traffic signs while traveling around Iceland. “We were very surprised and shocked to see an M sign in a tunnel when we saw other cars passing each other at M and then we understood what M meant!”
The people behind the company—a Japanese couple based in Iceland—run a Japanese website about Iceland and say they are often sent questions about driving in Iceland.
“One of the most frequently asked question was about driving in Iceland and last year we looked for such an app in Iceland to help tourists but couldn’t find one. We believe the app is helpful for people who are driving in Iceland for the first time. If tourists can check signs easily, we hope it can reduce their concerns about driving in Iceland and can lead to a safer journey.”
The app is available for download (in English) on the website of the Icelandic Road Traffic Directorate and here in Japanese.
Zoë Robert/Iceland Review
