Low-volume rural roads and the environment : some ideas and experiences from Hungary.

After a brief description of the Hungarian road network, aspects of accessibility, lane use, fuel consumption, and emission of pollutants are discussed concerning low-volume paved and unpaved (dirt) roads. It appears evident that paving of low-volume rural dirt roads is equally beneficial for the road users and the environment. The inadequate capacity of the main road network has been the primary cause of concern for a long time. However, recently the problems of secondary and low-volume roads were also recognized, and a comprehensive research program is being launched to deal with their operation and management.