The report prepared for the 30th Anniversary of the OECD Road Transport Research Programme (RTR) highlights achievements from OECD activities during the period between 1992 and 1997. 40 international studies and other projects were undertaken during the period. These initiatives were carried out under the auspices of Scientific Expert Groups, Research Workshops, Seminars, Symposia, Conferences, and Joint Research Programmes. Chapter I is an introduction to the Programme highlighting the importance of international research co-operation for police development and improvemenets of road technologies. Chapter II discusses Intermodality and Logistics and their relation to a growing global economy. Chapter III stresses advanced traffic technologies and management practices that help to improve road transport safety and efficiency. ChapterIV provides an overview of issues related to infrastructure maintenance and management. Chapter V describes the road safety studies undertaken and how research is helping to reduce traffic accident injuries and fatalities. Chapter VI discusses how transport-related activities impact the environment and explains how new approaches and practices are helping to minimise these impacts. Chapter VII describes the Programme's two international databases - IRRD and IRTAD - that allow sharing of information worldwide and dissemination. Chapter VIII defines the role for the Programme with non OECD member countries and a number of technology transfer activities focusing on maintenance issues and road safety initiatives. In total, the report provides an overview of research trends, results, and policy implications for a wide variety of topics and issues of concern to all 29 OECD Member countries.
Abstract