Dutch motorway traffic has grown by about 20% during the last five years, causing an increase of 50% in traffic jams during that period. In 1995, the Dutch Government provided an additional package of traffic management measures up to 2005. It also decided to conduct experiments and pilot studies of two measures whose effects and relationships with design issues were little known: (1) a dynamic peak lane by use of the emergency lane during peak hours; and (2) an overtaking prohibition for lorries. This paper discusses the results. The main goal of the peak lane is to provide extra throughput capacity when it is needed most, without having to widen the motorway. Because it needs no formal procedures, this measure can be planned and implemented rather quickly. It can be applied to solve local bottlenecks, as long as certain conditions are met. The first pilot, using a peak lane, was launched early in 1996 on a 4km stretch of the A28 motorway; the resulting traffic flows and properties were evaluated extensively. The lane was effective in reducing congestion in heavy traffic conditions. Three overtaking pilot studies were conducted, showing that in Holland, an overtaking prohibition for lorries is an accepted and useful measure to increase traffic safety and traffic flow stability. It can also substantially increase capacity.
Samenvatting