A Driving Simulator-Based Assessment of Traffic Calming Measures at High-to-Low Speed Transition Zones

Effective speed management at urban entry points is essential for ensuring traffic safety and supporting sustainable mobility in smart cities. This study contributes to urban mobility planning by using a high-fidelity driving simulation to evaluate gateway designs that enhance safety and behavioral compliance at built-up entry zones. Seven gateway configurations, comprising physical (i.e., chicanes, road narrowing) and psychological (i.e., transverse markings, avenue planting) speed calming measures, were evaluated against a reference scenario. A total of 54 participants completed a 14 km simulated route under standardized conditions, with vehicle speed, acceleration/deceleration, and lateral position continuously recorded. The strongest effects were observed in designs featuring chicanes, which achieved the largest speed reductions but also induced abrupt deceleration. In contrast, the combination of road narrowing and transverse markings resulted in a smoother and more gradual deceleration, minimizing driver discomfort and lateral instability. Psychological measures alone, such as avenue planting, had a limited impact on speed behavior. These findings highlight the importance of combining physical and psychological traffic calming measures to create effective, perceptually engaging transitions that promote safer and more consistent driver responses.