Appraisal of eight small area traffic management models

In this paper eight small area traffic management packages or models are selected for appraisal. These models are useful for predicting the impact of traffic control measures before implementation. These measures include street closure, turn bans, priority junctions, one way street systems, traffic signals and roundabouts. Packages for freeway analysis are not included in this study. The criteria adopted in the appraisal are the level of detail, possible applications and validations, assignment algorithms adopted, computational requirements and documentation. Saturn was found to be an 'all rounder' with a theoretically sound assignment method, an accurate simulation of traffic progression and the capacity for modelling a variety of control measures. However, an overseas model such as saturn has built in parameters which may not be suitable for local Australian traffic operations. Traffic models suitable for local conditions should therefore be considered wherever appropriate (a).