Simulation and analysis of traffic flow for traffic calming

Abstract

This paper evaluates the use of traffic calming as an option to address the high road casualties caused by speeding in Iran. The aim is to reduce the speed of motor vehicles to improve road safety and the quality of life. In this study, a part of Shahrara Street in Tehran that has speed humps installed is modelled in Aimsun software. The results suggest that calming the street leads to the reduced speed of vehicles and traffic volume on that street. However, it also results in reduced capacity of the street; thus, calming devices, including speed humps, should be placed at appropriate distances to each other to achieve an appropriate overall level of service, balancing speed and road safety benefits against capacity. In this research, a distance between speed humps of between 200 and 400 m is recommended.