VRU-TOO: variable road user traffic observation and optimisation, Drive II Project V2005.

Abstract

The VRU-TOO project has been unique in DRIVE I1 in that it has been the only project applying transport telematics specifically to reducing risk and minimizing delay to vulnerable road users. To achieve this the project has carried out further development of the signal systems that had been tested in DRIVE I bv V1031. An Intelligent Traffic Svstem for Vulnerable Road Users. These signals are able to register pedestrian demand automatically and to use that registration to provide pedestrians with signal timings that are better adapted to their actual needs. Alterations in signal timing have included both pre-arrival detection to provide instantaneous green on arrival atthe kerb and green extension when demand is large. The signal systems have been implemented in varied traffic environments in the UK, Portugal and Greece. In addition to this development and implementation work, the project has continued work on the pedestrian route choice simulation model WLCAN and has carried out detailed studies of pedestrian behaviour and risk in four European countries at two types of location, signalized and unsignalized junctions. This report summarizes the three years of work in all the project work areas. The report indicates that telematics systems of the type implemented have great potential for improving conditions for vulnerable road users. Further extensions of the technology, particularly when informed and guided by the behavioural knowledge obtained, could save large numbers of casualties to pedestrians on major urban roads