Road traffic signs and signals: economic considerations

In general, it can be said that the use of road traffic signs and signals offers important marginal efficiencies to road safety and capacity. This paper attempts to identify the areas which should in theory, be taken into consideration in benefit/ cost analyses of projects involving signs and signals, whether of traffic systems or isolated locations. It identifies the following areas as warranting consideration in project appraisal: construction costs, repairs and maintenance costs, road safety for vehicles and pedestrians, the environment, traffic obstruction, traffic flows, road and junction capacities and delays, driver comfort and vehicle operating costs. Some of the problems of identification and valuation of benefits and costs are discussed. As a practical matter, the costs of carrying out benefit/ cost appraisals of many projects are so large as to not be justified because of budget constraints. The cost effectiveness approach is appropriate in such circumstances.

• Authors:
  • Webb, R
• Publication Date: 1977-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 26P
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 130

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Economics; Highway traffic control; Maintenance; Operating costs; Repairing; Safety; Traffic signals; Traffic signs; Vehicles
• ATRI Terms: Cost benefit analysis; Economics; Maintenance; Operating costs; Repair; Safety; Traffic control; Traffic sign; Traffic signal; Vehicle
• Subject Areas: Economics; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01440066
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 10:48PM