Variable speed limit signs and information boards have been used on the experimental motorway section between the towns of Kotka and Hamina on the southern coast of Finland since November 1994. The variable signs have been controlled according to weather and road surface conditions. The aim of the experiment has been to make traffic more manageable and to improve traffic safety. Driver acceptance of the weather controlled traffic signs has been studied. The signs and the speed limits were very well accepted. Ninety-five percent of the drivers expressed that the speed limits varying by the prevailing road conditions are useful, and only 4% estimated them not to be useful. Ninety-one percent of the drivers recalled the last sign and the speed limit. Regardless of the prevailing speed limit (120-100-80 km/h) over 80% of the road users felt the speed limit was appropriate. (A)
Samenvatting