Abstract
The concept of a `sustainably safe' traffic system distinguishes between rural highways and traffic calmed rural areas. The research focuses on the question of concentration of traffic flows, both on rural highways and on collector roads among the minor rural roads. The impacts of traffic flows are also investigated. In a case study in the Dutch province of Limburg, 8% extra vehicle kilometres caused by the concentration are calculated. The concentration of traffic flows on rural highways in stead of minor rural roads is favourable for traffic safety and traffic noise. For emissions and fuel consumption the concentration is unfavourable, however. (A)