Project
REVEL - A methodology to update speed limits
Funding origin:
Spain
STRIA Roadmaps:
Other ()
Transport mode:
Road
Transport sectors:
Passenger transport
Freight transport
Duration:
Start date: 01/01/2006,
End date: 01/12/2008
Status: Finished
Funding details:
Overview
Background & policy context:
Current speed limits are not adequate in some zones. In some areas, the limit should be understandable and acceptable for drivers, thus making it more respected by drivers than at present. The envisaged scheme consists of a basic limit, according to the highway type. This basic limit can be raised or lowered depending on the design features of the section and the specific and variable circumstances of environment and traffic.
Objectives:
The main aim of the REVEL research project was to achieve a method for setting an adequate speed limit for each road section, by providing a model for use by road managers.
Methodology:
Tasks done in REVEL project were:
- The measurement of real circulation speed in a set of test sections, both for data coming for counting loops and from data coming from on-board GPS equipment. The relation among these data, density, track characteristics and other environmental features (night, rain, etc) has been studied;
- The evaluation of traffic accident rate of the test sections in the measurement conditions, trying to establish a security profile. Particularly, a detailed analysis of the circumstances of the accidents with victims which has "too much speed" as a reason has been done;
- The development of the security criteria for each kind of road and a system to evaluate given safety levels. Particularly, simulations of effects of traffic congestion and circulation speed on traffic accident rate have been done;
- The use of safety criteria developed to establish several advices about an adequate speed limit for each test section;
- The evaluation of the new speed limits depending on their applicability, their acceptability and the safety benefits obtained, both for the management administration and for the whole.
The project was deployed by the following activities:
- state of the art;
- design of experimental phase;
- measurement of speed profiles;
- development of security profiles;
- model of speed limits;
- specific criteria for speed;
- basic limit of the speed for each road type;
- speed limit adequate for each test section.
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