Optimised traffic flow quality through continuously recorded performance indicators
Congestion in traffic means that road users can no longer reliably plan their journeys. In order to optimise availability and reliability, continuous assessment of the traffic flow quality and the performance of the transport infrastructure are targeted. The Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) therefore commissioned PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG, Karlsruhe, to develop a system of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the German motorway network. With the help of these KPIs, statements should be made possible for individual network elements and sections as well as for the entire route network. The KPIs should be calculated on the basis of current traffic-related parameters such as speed, journey times and traffic volumes.
Depending on the target different of the described KPIs may be more relevant. If a KPI system is pursued further, the precise requirements for the system should be defined and translated into weighting factors. As things stand, there is a tendency towards a hybrid system of stationary detectors under the sovereignty of the road administration in combination with commercially offered floating car data (FCD).