The development and use of new telecommunication technology have brought new concepts for the improvement of the road transport system. In the present paper the introduction of support systems based on integral design principles is approached from three directions. First, an impression is given about the design rules that should form the foundation for a structurally safe traffic system. Secondly, smart vehicles and roads should find their place in such a user oriented road design. For lane and distance keeping active or partly autonomous controls may act as a support system in relation with a pre-defined safety margin around the vehilce. Third, vehicle manoeuvring and speed choice may further be controlled by means of traffic dependent information systems alongside the road. Finally, suggestions are given about the ways these systems can be conceptually connected. (A)
Abstract