This report aims to improve the understanding of user behaviour in road tunnels in both normal and critical situations and to provide recommendations for tunnel design and operation. After an introduction of the human decision process, the report presents observations of the behaviour of tunnel users in normal and critical situations. Facing these different situations, the minimum measures required by the European Union directive of April 2006 are discussed and additional measures are recommended. Proposals are made for harmonisation of safety equipment, signage and messages communicated to users. Finally, the report covers what can be expected in the future from Intelligent Transport Systems regarding improvement of safety in road tunnels. (Author/publisher)
Abstract