Attention is drawn to the fact that speed limit policies should be based on generally accepted objective and scientific data. This report presents a detailed review of quantitative results of past speed limit experiments in rural areas. The possible benefits of coordinated research at an international level on the direct and indirect effects of speed limits (accidents, traffic flow, effect on parallel itineraries, etc.) are stressed, and the objectives of such a research are defined in detail. Details are given of recommended statistical methods, which consist in establishing an experimental network and a control network, and observing the effect of speed limits on both networks before and during the imposition of speed limits. The collection of traffic data necessary for the analysis of the experiments is described together with the precautions to follow as regards police operations and the publicity campaign to be set up to inform the public.
Abstract