Global Practices on Road Traffic Signal Control

Fixed-Time Control at Isolated Intersections

Keshuang Tang, Manfred Boltze, Hideki Nakamura, Zong Tian

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 2019
• ISBN:
  9780128153031
• Topic: Droit
• Subtopic: Théorie et pratique du droit

Global Practices on Road Traffic Signal Control is a valuable reference on the current state-of-the-art of road traffic signal control around the world. The book provides a detailed description of the common principles of road traffic signal control using a well-defined and consistent format that examines their application in countries and regions across the globe. This important resource considers the differences and special considerations across countries, providing useful insights into selecting control strategies for signal timing at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks. The book's authors also include success stories for coping with increasing traffic-related problems, examining both constraints and the reasons behind them.

• Presents a comprehensive reference on country-by-country practices on road traffic signal control
• Compiles and compares approaches across countries
• Covers theories and common principles
• Examines the most current systems and their implementation

1

Introduction

Keshuang Tang¹, Zong Tian², Manfred Boltze³ and Hideki Nakamura⁴, ¹College of Transportation Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China, ²Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States, ³Institute for Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany, ⁴Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan

Abstract

This chapter briefly introduces the motivation, scope, purpose, and structure of this book. Section 1.1 outlines the motivation for editing this book and for choosing road traffic signal control as the topic. Section 1.2 introduces the scope of the book, that is, fixed-time control at isolated intersections. Section 1.3 explains potential applications and audiences of the book. Section 1.4 highlights the book structure as well as major contents of each chapter of the book, together with the author information. Finally, Section 1.5 gives some explanations on national differences in notations and terminology.

Keywords

Motivation; scope; purpose; structure; highlight

1.1 Motivation

Road traffic signals are a most important instrument of traffic management and operations. The design of signalized intersections and signal programs has a serious impact on capacity, traffic safety, economic efficiency, and environmental compatibility. Statistics indicate that approximately 40% of total traffic accidents, approximately 80% of vehicle delays on urban roads, and approximately 20% of vehicle emissions occur at signalized intersections (WHO, 2016; FHWA, 2016; Kan et al., 2018).

In all countries, road traffic signals are used to control traffic. Many countries have developed comprehensive experience and knowledge in how to design signalized intersections and signal programs. Based on that, several national guidelines (TRB, 2010; FHWA, 2008; UK DOT, 2006; FGSV, 2015; JSTE, 2006; AUSTROADS, 2003), reports, and papers have been published, dealing with signal timing procedures, methods, and optimization models for a specific country, region, or situation. However, there is no international standard on road traffic signal control. While significant differences between countries exist, international harmonization and learning from each other is difficult, so far, because of the different languages and limited accessibility of national regulations for road traffic signal control.

To contribute to the international exchange of knowledge, this book summarizes the practice in road traffic signal control in several countries and regions around the globe. Individual reports are authored by outstanding national experts from 16 countries, providing a comprehensive overview and comparison of international practice on road traffic signal control. Based on that, the book allows an in-depth study and comparison of global practices. Strengths and weaknesses of specific regulations can be identified, and results may be used for the improvement and international harmonization of road traffic signal control.

1.2 Scope

This book particularly addresses the background, history, state-of-the-art practice, and working examples for fixed-time control at isolated intersections in 16 selected countries. The selected countries include the United States of America, Canada, G...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• List of contributors
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Principles of road traffic signal control
• 3. United States and Canada
• 4. Germany and Austria
• 5. United Kingdom
• 6. France
• 7. Switzerland
• 8. Turkey
• 9. Australia and New Zealand
• 10. Japan
• 11. China
• 12. India
• 13. South Korea
• 14. The State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
• 15. Initial comparative analysis of international practice in road traffic signal control
• Index