The purpose of this project was to study the effects of lowering the speed limits around schools with regard to the safety of the children, and of motorists' choice of speed. The method used, the conflict method, is based on the hypothesis that there is a connection between accidents and situations where accidents nearly happen. Several methods were used for measuring the speed and the intensity of the traffic, and both fixed and changeable road signs were used in the tests. Observations were made before and after the introduction of the lower speed limits. Later, complementary observations were made in order to establish the long term effects. Four areas were selected for the tests, and population density, geographical factors and street characteristics were taken into account. All four tests indicate clearly that the number of critical situations was reduced as a result of the implementation of the lower speed limits, and in regard to motorists' obedience to the lower speed regulations, differences were observed when the various types of road sign were used.
Abstract