Minimum Speed Limits on Freeways

摘要

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the feasibility of establishing minimum speed limits for the individual lanes on multi-lane highways. Study techniques used were spot-speed measurement of all traffic, photographic recording and manual observation of driver behavior, and personal interview of drivers. Analyses of the data obtained were used to develop 'before and after' measures to evaluate the effect of the signing on average lane speeds, volume distribution between lanes, vehicle headways, lane changing maneuvers, violations of minimum speed signing and reasons for non-compliance with the signing. Interpretation of the study results indicated that the effects of such signing, if significant, were undesirable. In general, there were reductions in average lane speed, an undesirable change in the volume distribution and an indication of an increase in the number of lane changes. It was concluded that in the absence of improvement to traffic flow and a possible increased traffic hazard, the application of minimum speed limits by lane should not be recommended. (Author)