PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ON THE PROVINCIAL ROADS OF LOWER AUSTRIA

The results are described of a survey carried out on the value of pedestrian crossings on the provincial roads in lower Austria. It is shown that by including all pedestrian crossings (crossings identified by signs and flashing yellow lights and also traffic signal controlled crossings) the average spacing in those built-up areas where the flow of vehicles and pedestrians warrants pedestrian crossings is approximately 600 M. Because similar investigation results from other areas are not available, it is not possible to make any comparisons. Since the construction of pedestrian crossings always raises the question of how far, in reality, they perform a protective function, a survey of the state of investigations into the safety of crossings is provided and results of investigations into the behaviour of pedestrians and drivers on and at crossings are discussed. In addition the criteria are stated which in lower Austria are found by the highway authority to be practicable and which enable it to undertake a selection according to the appropriate measures insofar as the crossing is dependent upon vehicle and pedestrian flows and upon carriageway widths in its vicinity. (TRRL)