An Assessment of Automatic Lane Control System on Chalong - Rat Expressway ; Related to Perception and Following Traffic Engineering Principle

Abstract

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has initiated an automatic lane control system on Chalong - Rat expressway to manage lane control and prevent illegal actions such as over speed limit violation, driving on shoulder lane, and solid lines violation. This system aims to reduce manpower on expressways, to maintain a traffic flow, to prevent traffic rules violation and to reduce incidents on expressways. The system has been working 24/7 by using microwave radar sensors together with CCTV cameras. The data from sensors and CCTV cameras will then be processed and presented through LED full color signboards in the forms of traffic signs, vehicle speed number, warning signs and messages notifying incidents occur red ahead. From the assessment of users’ behaviors on visual condition, driving perception, and conformation of traffic engineer principle, it is shown that the system can help increase efficiency in lane control management and improve average speed and flow. Also, the system can help reduce accident rates in case of the sudden lane changes and driving in the emergency lane (shoulder lane) and prevent traffic violations.