'Physical methods' of traffic control are those procedures whose influence on vehicular behaviour is essentially self-policing. 'Traffic calming' is a term used in the UK to describe changes to the horizontal and/or vertical alignments of roads in built-up areas to reduce the speeds of motor vehicles. It has been defined more widely as a transport policy to reduce traffic speeds in built-up areas, but also promotes public transport, walking, and cycling. It can also be used to control vehicular speeds in outdoor recreational areas. Traffic calming originated in continental Europe, and began to be applied in the UK mainly in residential areas. Its main objectives are to: (1) reduce vehicle speeds; (2) encourage motorists to drive carefully; (3) remove extraneous car and lorry traffic; (4) enhance the environment; and (5) reduce accident numbers and severity. Its engineering elements and structures include road humps, build-outs, rumble devices, and gateways. Pedestrian priority schemes aim to give priority to pedestrians over motor vehicles at specific locations; they include footways, completely separate from vehicular traffic, at-grade and segregated pedestrian crossings, and pedestrian zones in urban centres. Cycle priority schemes include especially cycle lanes and cycle tracks. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 892228.
Samenvatting