The objective was to assess the relationship between posted speed limit awareness and actual travel speeds through a high-priority work zone route in Northland.
Our Approach:
- Speed Data Collection & Segmentation – Extracted GPS speed data for vehicles travelling through Loop Road, categorised by hour of day, direction of travel, vehicle type, and whether posted speed limit data was available in the vehicle’s telematics system.
- Map Creation – Developed visual maps segmented by time, direction, and vehicle class to illustrate speed distribution patterns.
- Comparative Analysis – Compared average speeds between vehicles with posted limit data and those without to quantify behavioural differences.
- Comprehensive Reporting – Compiled results, visualisations, and analysis into a detailed report for Fulton Hogan and Whakatane, linking findings to work zone safety and operational planning.
Key Findings:
- Posted Limit Impact – Demonstrated measurable differences in average speeds between equipped and non-equipped vehicles, highlighting the safety benefits of posted speed data.
- Time & Direction Variations – Identified speed variation trends by time of day and travel direction, offering additional insight for targeted interventions.
- Vehicle Type Influence – Showed how compliance levels varied across different classes of vehicles.
Impact:
- Enhanced Work Zone Management – Enabled Fulton Hogan and Whakatane to design safer work zones informed by real-world compliance data.
- Evidence for Signage Effectiveness – Provided empirical evidence on the influence of posted speed limits, supporting decisions on where and how to implement them.
- Operational Planning Support – Equipped stakeholders with detailed data to plan interventions during periods or conditions associated with higher non-compliance rates.
