Problems on so-called low-traffic roads (LTRs), such as rat run traffic, mixed composition by mode, high speeds and large differences in speeds should be solved at a regional scale. In order to get safe and efficient traffic management, a functional classification of LTRs in the region is made. The classification is based on an inventory of the present situation, on future changes in land use as provided in spatial planning, etc. In practice, the characteristics of the road (for example width of pavement) and/or the desired use of the road (in the sense of access or traffic function) do not always agree with the actual use of the road. If that is the case, a choice should be made between two fundamentally different solutions: (1) upgrading the road from an access road to a road with (mainly) a traffic function or (2) downgrading the road. Downgrading means reduction of traffic volumes (for example by closing a road for through traffic) and/or adaptation of traffic characteristics (such as speeds, for example by legal regulations). It is recommended to explore alternatives within both solutions, if possible. As a result of regional structural planning of traffic and transportation, volumes per road section will change. Impacts of these changes on (for example) travel time, safety, energy consumption and noise are calculated on a regional basis. Further research in this field, especially of ecological impacts, is recommended. The regional rural traffic planning should result in a few LTRs with mainly a traffic function. Most of the LTRs come in the category with an access function only. The costs of this planning will probably be lower than the costs for the traditional "solution" of the problem: upgrading of "every" road, due to growing volumes. (A)
Samenvatting