SPEED SIGNALS. EFFECT OF DRIVER OBSERVANCE. POTENTIAL FOR FUEL SAVINGS IN COORDINATED SYSTEMS OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS

The speed level in signal systems can be influenced by advisory speed signals giving the speed with which a stop at the next traffic signal can be avoided. The fuel consumption was measured in an experimental situation. The fuel consumption measured when driving according to the advisory speed signals was compared to the consumption when the speed limit was followed. When driving according to the speed signals the fuel consumption decreased by about 10% compared to a driving manner according to the speed limit. If all drivers in three existing systems in Sweden drove according to the advisory speed signalsabout 810 cu.m. of fuel could be saved annually. (TRRL)