Recommendations for Speed Management on European Roads

Results of a recent European research project MAnaging Speeds of Traffic on European Roads (MASTER) are presented. Speed management is described as a two-step process where target speeds for different kinds of roads are determined first, and then various measures and tools are applied in order to adopt such speed. Current practice and main problems in speed management are described. The various impacts of speed and the factors affecting drivers’ choice of speed as well as the various speed management measures and tools are discussed. Basic principles of rational speed management are outlined on these grounds. Finally, recommendations for further development of speed management and research needs are formulated. It is recommended that target speeds on different kinds of roads are determined on the basis of systematic and comprehensive assessment of all impacts of speed. The recommendations concerning speed management measures and tools include, for example, harmonisation of speed limits in different European countries, development of European guidelines for urban speed management, further development and wider use of automated speed enforcement, and introduction of adaptive in-vehicle speed limiters. Further research is needed on the impacts of speed on accidents, pollution and costs to road users as well as on the monetary valuation of these impacts. Standardisation of procedures used in collection and reporting of speed data is needed to facilitate international comparisons.