Access control : a joint approach by planners and engineers.

It is argued that an unnecessarily high proportion of accidents along rural arterial roads occur at driveways and junctions. To sustain this view the role of these roads, current travel patterns and accident data are examined. It is suggested that a reduction in the number of accesses, effected by improved controls over their location, spacing and use, would, in the long-term, lead to a reduction in the number of accidents of this type. The historical and legal aspects of access rights, and the methods of regulation now available, are discussed and it is pointed out that, to be effective, access control is a matter that should be tackled jointly by planning and highway authorities. The paper describes the way in which town planners and road engineers in Tasmania are co-operating in attempts to find solutions to the current problems. The paper is, of necessity, largely based upon experience gained in Tasmania. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the problems identified, and the solutions now proposed, could be of more general interest. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E205861.