Mind games could play a part in traffic calming

Psychology could play a useful part in traffic-calming schemes, according to early indications from a three-year study for the DfT (Surveyor, 5 August).

TRL is investigating the extent to which changes such as removing centre line markings, interrupting sight lines and blurring the distinction between the carriageway and footway can help reduce speeds by creating uncertainty in the minds of drivers.

With the help of urban designer David Huskisson Associates, it has tested drivers' reactions to designs that combine psychological and physical calming. If successful, the approach could overcome some of the drawbacks of traditional road humps, which have been blamed for increasing noise, pollution and the risk of vehicle damage.

In a pilot project carried out with Wiltshire County Council, centre line markings have been removed on a stretch of the detrunked A419 near Swindon, and the speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph. Gateways have also been introduced including sight narrowing of the carriageway and parking bays to restrict forward visibility.

Speed checks by council road safety officers two weeks after the scheme was installed showed average speeds through the village were 30mph or less compared with mean speeds of more than 40mph - and as much as 53mph at one site - in January 2003.