Development of a conflict observation technique : operationalisation, methodological problems and the use of the technique in two field situations in Delft. Contributed to OECD Special Research Group on Pedestrian Safety.

Both for logical reasons and on the basis of research it has become clear that urban planning can have a great influence in reducing the number and nature of conflicts between pedestrians and wheeled traffic. Literature research has shown that measures aimed at influencing social behaviour do not have the desired effect on road safety. It is shown that urban planning and infrastructural measures affect residents' behaviour more than statutory codes and attempts to influence social attitudes and behaviour. The main objective of the research is to develop a conflict observation technique which can be used as a reliable measuring instrument in various urban planning designs to establish road users' behaviour. The research was concentrated on children, as they are the most intensive users of the residential area.