DATEX II packages addressed by the RRP The crucial types of data on regulations and restrictions
Static and dynamic traffic regulations, where applicable
Access conditions for tunnels
This reference profile defines the minimum information required to disseminate and describe traffic regulations specifically related to tunnel access and usage. These regulations can be either permanent (static) or dynamic, adjusting in real time based on ongoing events, safety concerns, or environmental conditions.
Scope
Tunnel-specific traffic regulations aim to ensure road safety, traffic efficiency, and compliance with legal requirements. These rules are considered crucial in the context of DR (EU) 2022/670 and may include:
- Access conditions: Legal or physical restrictions governing which vehicles are permitted to enter a tunnel. These may be defined using tunnel classification systems (e.g., based on hazardous goods or vehicle size).
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Size and weight limitations: Restrictions on the height, length, width, or weight of vehicles that can access a tunnel.
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Speed limits: Maximum or minimum speeds within tunnels, which may vary by vehicle category, lane, weather conditions, or time of day.
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One-way access or directional restrictions: Rules specifying direction of travel within the tunnel, including reversible lane setups or permanent one-way configurations.
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Overtaking bans: Prohibitions on heavy goods vehicle overtaking, often dynamically applied in tunnels to reduce risk during adverse conditions.
Regulatory Sources
According to the DATEX II model, tunnel traffic regulations may be issued by:
- Competent authorities, such as national or local transport agencies, in the form of legal mandates;
- Authorized operators, such as road authorities or tunnel operators, responding to real-time events or safety issues;
- Automated systems, which dynamically adapt conditions (e.g., speed limits, closures) based on sensor input or traffic management strategies.
Required Information Elements
For tunnel regulations to be machine-readable and usable in traffic information systems, the following data should be included:
- Legal basis (if applicable)
- Geographic location of the tunnel and the regulation
- Time validity (static or dynamic period of enforcement)
- Applicability conditions (e.g., vehicle type, direction)
- Type of regulation (e.g., access, speed, size limitation)