Citation

Preisler F, Broadhurst KJ, Gillard KJ. Road Transp. Res. 1992; 1(1): 42-51.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Australian Road Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A review was conducted into the current practice for determining advisory speeds for curves on roads. All States in Australia were surveyed, and information was sought on current practice in the UK and the USA. All States in Australia use the Ball Bank Indicator method to determine advisory speed. The U.K. has developed a policy of not posting advisory speeds. The Ball Bank Indicator method is also used in the USA. The criteria and procedures in the Ball Bank Indicator method vary considerably from State to State, and, consequently, so does the derived advisory speed. The majority of States have not fully adopted the criteria as set down in the Australian Standard. Furthermore, there are indications that some Ball Bank Indicators in use in Australia may not be giving correct readings. It appears that the criteria on which advisory speed determination is based are out of date. These criteria are based on subjective judgements and the notion of passenger comfort, and are based on experiments carried out over 30 years ago. The review discusses some of the shortcomings of the current practice and suggests improvements. Also discussed is the notion of totally changing the present scheme of signage for sub-standard horizontal curves on roads.