On the Validity of Some Traffic Engineering Folklore

Abstract

This paper presents commentary on selected points from an earlier article titled "Traffic Engineering Folklore" which presented "a summary of quick and easy approximations to traffic related problems" based on an Australia-wide survey of traffic professionals in the 1980s. The comments given here are based on information from recent research and detailed analytical and computer-based traffic modelling. The points covered relate to vehicle dimensions, capacities of uninterrupted and interrupted facilities, traffic flow characteristics, vehicle and pedestrian speeds, signalised intersections and roundabouts. It is shown that most points considered are generally valid as approximations. Suggestions are made for revising the statements analysed, and additional statements are presented for consideration.