The aim of this project was to demonstrate the problems encountered by motorists on trans-European roads and to develop proposals on how to improve safety and convenience. Fit this purpose, selected main international routes and parallel national roads were travelled using a custom-built vehicle. The vehicle was staffed by changing teams from the participating European motoring clubs. Team members were not familiar with the area they travelled in, nor did they speak the language. Test drivers were conducted in late 1997/early 1998. The results were documented by photographs and video tapes and recorded with the help of a standardised questionnaire. Magnetic tapes were used to record radio messages and calls made at emergency telephones. The results of the travel survey and the test drives were analysed, co-ordinated with project partners and compared with existing regulations. Recommendations which are of direct benefit to motorists, make allowance for prevailing local conditions and are limited in cost will be developed on the basis of the study results. (A)
Abstract