TRAFFIC MIS-USING SECONDARY ROADS OUTSIDE BUILT-UP AREAS

For some years now the overcrowded western part of the Netherlands has had to contend with a fresh kind of traffic problem: through traffic using secondary in a way for which they were not intended, the so-called rat-run traffic. The nuisance has gradually assumed the proportions of a structural problem. The concept of public roads offers tremendous benefits: everyone is free to go where he chooses and without restriction on his movements. However, the volumes of traffic now on the and the more limited scope available, demand that some thought be given to the use made of the road network. This article examines the causes and effects of this rat-run traffic and goes on to suggest some ways of coping with it, whilst also indicating some impossibilities. The measures proposed include structural ones as well as means available through traffic management. Although concentrating on the road network outside built-up areas, much of what is discussed applies to traffic within them as well. /TRRL/