Abstract:

This paper describe the development and use of an innovatory technique of studying motoring behaviour, with particular reference to a precise measurement of speed. The technique developed involves continuous filmed records of road traffic and has to date been employed in three major projects for Governmental departments in the U.K.: the evaluation of two separate publicity campaigns designed to encourage drivers to maintain wider separation distances between vehicles, and a study to determine motorists' observation of newly-introduced statutory speed limits during a period of energy conservation. In this paper, we describe the development of the technique, together with the various methods of speed measurement originally considered and piloted, and the practicability, statistical validity and cost implications of each.