The European Union (EU) MASTER (MAnaging Speeds of Traffic on European Roads) project aims to produce information which can be cited in preparing national and EU decisions about speed management and standards for speed control equipment. It seeks answers to major questions about: (1) acceptable ranges of speeds; (2) key factors influencing drivers' choice of speed; and (3) the best tools and strategies for speed management. Each of three research areas addresses one of these aspects. This paper presents the main findings from these areas, states the basic principles of speed management, and contains eight recommendations for speed management and eight for further research. It outlines the effects of speed levels on accident rates, exhaust emissions, noise, costs to vehicle users, traffic distribution, and traffic volumes. Factors affecting drivers' choice of speed have been investigated mainly by interviewing drivers and pedestrians about the acceptability of present speeds and speed limits, and by experimental studies to identify and quantify relevant aspects of road design. Tools for influencing choice of speed include road design and advanced transport telematics. Speed management defines acceptable or target speeds on different types of roads, then develops measures and tools to promote their adoption.
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