A survey of 219 drivers and 43 road engineers is used to compare public and professional perceptions of the importance of improvements to the road surface. Ten road surface characteristics are rated for their desirability of improvement for six road types in both rural and urban locations. Road engineers and the driving public desire the improvement of the same things, namely, less loose gravel, better water drainage, improved grip, and fewer road works. While some differences exist between road engineers and the general public in their desire for characteristic improvement, greater differences exist between road engineersÆ perception of public desire and the public's actual desire. In contrast to the public, engineers were found to vary desired characteristics according to road type. EngineersÆ perceptions of what the public want are found to be closely aligned to the frequency of complaints than to actual public desire for improvements. (a).
Abstract