A study of speed limits and speed control measures for the urban arterial road

Speed limits in accordance with environment and road functions have been used as a fundamental tool for speed management and road safety. This paper presents literatures review of speed limits measure and results from the study on speed limits problem and driver attitude toward the speed limit and speed control measure. Area of study is on the arterial road where the Mittaprab Highway passed through Khon Kaen City. The study found that improper designation of road functions is the main cause of complexity and difficulty on safety management. It suggests more researches on speed limit setting methods to accommodate the road conditions of the country. In order to increase effectiveness of speed limits measure, this paper suggests transportation-related authorities to classify this area to be the urban arterial road, to set proper speed limits, and to modify the road environment in accordance with its function. More measures to enhance speed limit effectiveness and to reduce accident are included automatic speed control devices, speed limits warning signs, and advertisement signs to use the bypass route. These could enhance the effective speed management program.