Compliance with time based signs versus method and level of enforcement : factors affecting compliance with school zone signs.

This paper gives a progress report on the research currently being undertaken by Queensland Transport into the factors affecting compliance levels with time based signs, specifically school zone signs. In Queensland, school zones require different speeds at different times of the day, with the speed limits and times of their relevance being designated on a permanent sign. Compliance with the low range speed limit is less than optimal. The current project examines compliance levels of a range of time-based regulatory signs based on different behaviours (for example, parking) or time requirements (for example, work zone speed limits). Data are being collected on factors including driver attitudes, reported self-compliance, period of time for which the sign applies, and enforcement strategies. A relationship between the level of compliance and combinations of these factors will be examined. Numerous studies have indicated that for effective speed control, namely increased compliance with the posted speed limit, equal consideration must be given to engineering, education and enforcement aspects of possible compliance measures. An optimal approach will be recommended to obtain maximum compliance levels for a time based sign, specifically school zone signs. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E202589.