Use of the hard shoulder as an active running lane has been demonstrated to be an effective measure to reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability. A refinement that has the potential to improve traffic flows further would be to allow traffic to use the hard shoulder (HS) through junctions – termed Through Junction Running (TJR). This simulator study was designed to test participants’ behaviour in response to the planned implementation of TJR in terms of their ability to respond to the new signs and road marking schemes in a safe and appropriate manner. A total of 96 drivers participated, evenly split into two age groups (Younger=17-44 yrs; Older = 45+ yrs) with an equal number of male and female participants in each group. Each driver was required to drive a 40 minute drive along a 4 lane motorway with hard shoulder running available (but only open to traffic on some sections). The effect of TJR was evaluated on the basis of driving behaviour and subjective impressions. Overall, the results of this study were positive indicating a good understanding and use of the scheme without compromising road safety. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting