China is looking at multi-level and multi-staged ITS technologies to maximize use of her highway infrastructure and enhance traffic safety, especially high-class highways, like expressways and freeways. While China has already started to experiment with certain ITS technologies on her highway systems, most ITS applications are those deployed to collect tolls. It should be pointed out that ITS technologies are not only those advanced and expensive technologies. Any new technologies for improving traffic safety and traffic efficiency will find opportunities to apply in China. Highway safety is always one of the major concerns for highway administration authorities. Although public safety education through the mass media is an effective measure to enhance traffic safety, technologies are required in areas of speed control and alert, safety regulation enforcement utilizing cameras, and other devices. Technologies for installing traffic signs and markings with low energy consumption are needed, especially in remote rural areas because of high accident rates and inadequate funds. (A*)
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