This paper presents the principal results of a comparison carried out as part of the EU DRIVE programme to compare geometric road design standards and operation regulations in EU and EFTA countries. Geometric deign standards for 9 countries (Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK) were analysed for aspects that could be compared. Questionnaires were then sent to experts in these countries to obtain the required information. The results are tabulated. Aspects compared include a) the legal basis of standards; b) design philosophy; c) classification sytem; d) design capacity; e) design speed; f) alignment; g) cross section; h) intersections; i) operational regulations; j) signing and marking; and k) departures from standards. International design standards for the Trans-European motorway and European AGR agreement are also considered.
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