Book Description
The primary objective of the Vehicle Weights and Dimensions Study was to improve uniformity in size and weight regulations in interprovincial trucking in Canada. Once this was achieved, it became evident that there remained a range of related issues which were in need of investigation but which were not directly addressed by this research program. The interaction of trucks with other elements of the traffic stream is such an issue. In 1989, under the sponsorship of TAC's Research and Development Council, work was carried out by a Project Advisory Committee to develop a plan for research which would address the effect of vehicle length on traffic on two-lane, two-way roads in Canada. In January, 1990, a workshop was held to review the state of research and understanding of the preceeding issues, and to identify those which remained as relevant, viable areas for investigation. Consequently, in the spring of 1990 TAC initiated Phase I of this study under the sponsorship of the Research and Development Council and the Council of Deputy Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety with the overall goal to : Evaluate the safety and level of service effects of vehicle length on traffic on two-lane, two-way roads in Canada. In January, 1991, the Research and Development Council agreed to sponsor a working session with the project's advisory committee and selected experts in the field. The objective of this session was to decide if the project should continue with a Phase II and if so, prepare the workplan and proposal for this additional work. The following report presents : (i) a summary of the findings contained in the Technical Report; (ii) the results of the working session in light of the objectives outlined above; (iii) implications of the work performed for this project to other TAC committees; and (iv) recommendations from this project's advisory committee to TAC's Research and Development Council. As such, it should be viewed as a supplement to the 1991 Technical Report and read in conjunction with the Technical Report.
