This study compares two kinds of road networks: (1) a network designed according to the plans from the 1993-1997 Long-range Programme for Infrastructure and Transport (the MIT version); and (2) a network satisfying the basic conditions for a 'sustainably safe' road traffic system. To this end, two network versions were compared for the road network of the central Netherlands region. The comparison dealt with issues such as: (a) road safety; (b) accessibility; (c) traffic flow; and (d) various environmental aspects such as noise and the emission of harmful substances. Calculations were made using a traffic forecasting model in order to assess the quality of the two network versions. The overall results showed no adverse effects on mobility (expressed in the number of vehicle kilometres) or accessibility. When using a 'sustainably safe' design for the network, road safety is considerably enhanced. The minimum gain is nearly 5%. The 'minimum' term is used here, because only the effect of the other traffic distribution over the network was examined, and not the effects of a 'sustainably safe' design.
Abstract