Abstract
Average traffic in Finland in 1990 was 2500 vehicles/day on paved roads, 400 on oil gravel roads and 120 on gravel roads. Surfacings must be safe, quiet and environmental: recycling, fewer gravel pits. They must be durable and economical. Both finished bitumen surfacings and their manufacture affect environment. Road oil has 10% evaporable hydrocarbons (3.5 ml/year in Finland). Studded winter tyres pose a difficult problem. In Finland about 95% of cars use these. One car removes about 30 g bituminous surfacing per km. This has adverse environmental effects. Surfacing of greater durability must be developed. Ageing population and higher EU axle loads will create new safety problems.