Traffic calming design--a speed management method. Danish experiences on environmentally adapted through roads

The Danish Road Directorate has conducted an experiment on traffic calming in three pilot towns. The problems caused by through traffic were reduced by using the new traffic management method called "Environmentally adapted through road." By using different kinds of speed reducing measures, vehicle speeds were slowed down. Priority was given to the local town environment, pedestrians, and cyclists. The aim was to increase safety, reduce the feeling of insecurity, and improve the local town environment. An extensive effect evaluation study programme was worked out by engineers together with architects, psychologists, economists, and biologists. The evaluation study included speeds, accidents, fence effect for pedestrians and cyclists, delays for through-going cars and side-road drivers, retail trade, noise and air pollution, energy consumption, costs, and users' opinions. The results show that vehicle speeds have been reduced significantly in the three pilot towns. The feeling of security and traffic safety have been increased. The town environments have been improved and the towns have become more attractive from the citizens' point of view.