Analysis of Traffic Organisation in the Kiss-and-Fly Zone of Kraków Airport: Eye-Tracking Study

Abstract

When choosing the way to come to airports, quite a large number of passengers prefer when they are dropped off/picked up at airports using kiss-and-fly (K&F) zones. Such a travel option is associated with a special traffic organisation on the airport ground access. As there are no common regulations or standards when creating such a complex infrastructure object, it could be a challenge for drivers when searching and moving through it. Therefore, the main aim of the presented study was to assess and verify the eye-tracking technique as an objective tool, which can allow one to identify and estimate confusion points met by road users when using such an object. The field tests with 23 drivers were conducted in the K&F zone of Kraków Airport, and the data analysis focused on the traffic organisation and road signage as its key and integral parts. The eye-tracking approach allowed us to clearly find confusing situations for drivers as well as explain their reasons confirming its suitability and usefulness for the declared aim. Also, the perception of standardised and unstandardised signage of the K&F zone as well as the influence of route familiarity for drivers were discussed.