The Netherlands Transport Research Centre (AVV) of the Department of Public Works commissioned SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research to prepare a practical assessment of a 'keep your lane' system. The aims of this study are to offer an insight into: (1) the possible types of 'keep your lane' system; and (2) their consequences for road safety, traffic flow and speeding behaviour. The study is based on both the available literature and on an analysis of traffic flow. The current traffic regulations could be amended in many ways. Four primary options have been subjected to further study: (i) overtaking on the right and keeping to the left is permitted; (ii) keeping to the left while driving at maximum allowed speed is permitted; (iii) select the lane according to your speed; and (iv) no lane changes are permitted. Each option was assessed on the basis of criteria related to: a) safety; b) traffic flow; c) compliance with the traffic regulations; d) enforcement. All options proved to produce lower speeds, but often greater cluster formation and conflicts of interest. Due to conflicting results, the overall effect on road safety was difficult to estimate. A clear preference for one of the options to be used to perform the trial could not be obtained through this approach.
Samenvatting