This paper discusses the opportunity presented by new technology to provide "intelligent" traffic calming without the need for extensive infrastructure. Such systems are generally known as Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA). The technologies used in autonomous ISA are described as well as the enhancements that will be available very soon to provide systems that can vary vehicle maximum speeds by place and time. The UK External Vehicle Speed Control project has made predictions of the accident savings from various configurations of ISA. It has also studied driver behaviour with an equipped vehicle. The safety predictions and behavioural results from the project are discussed and interpreted in the light of their relevance to the road safety problems in developing countries recently highlighted by the World Health Organisation report. For the covering abstract see ITRD E123863.
Abstract