The thesis considers the effects of vehicle type on highway traffic control. The effects of vehicle type on the capacity of traffic signal approaches are examined by the experimental determination of passenger car units at intersections in London and West Yorkshire and in addition saturation flows and lost times are examined. Vehicle type effect at roundabout entries are investigated and the results of field observations reported. Details are given of the gap acceptance of varying vehicle types, the effect of vehicle type on delay and comparisons are made with existing recommendations for the capacity design of roundabout entries. Observations of traffic flow on a rural motorway are used to demonstrate the effect of vehicle type on speed and observed values are fitted to a normal distribution. Overtaking behaviour is also examined and conclusions drawn of the relative effect on capacity of vehicle type. A review is given of the effects of vehicle type on the design and operation of the highway system in Saudi Arabia.

The t h e s i s c o n s i d e r s t h e e f f e c t s of v e h i c l e type on highway t r a f f i c flow. The e f f e c t s of v e h i c l e type on t h e c a p a c i t y of t r a f f i c s i g n a l approaches are examined by t h e experimental d e t e r m i n a t i o n of passenger c a r u n i t s a t i n t e r s e c t i o n s i n London and West Yorkshire and i n a d d i t i o n s a t u r a t i o n flows and lost t i m e s a r e examined. . Vehicle type e f f e c t s a t roundabout e n t r i e s a r e i n v e s t i g a t e d and t h e r e s u l t s of f i e l d o b s e r v a t i o n s r e p o r t e d . Details a r e given of t h e gap acceptance of varying v e h i c l e t y p e s , t h e e f f e c t of v e h i c l e type on delay and comparisons a r e made with e x i s t i n g recommendat i o n s f o r t h e c a p a c i t y design of roundabout e n t r i e s . Observations of t r a f f i c flow on a r u r a l motorway a r e used to demonstrate t h e e f f e c t of v e h i c l e type on speed and observed v a l u e s a r e f i t t e d t o a normal d i s t r i b u t i o n . Overtaking behaviour is a l s o examined and conclusions drawn of t h e r e l a t i v e e f f e c t on c a p a c i t y of v e h i c l e t y p e . A review is given of t h e e f f e c t s of v e h i c l e type on t h e design and o p e r a t i o n of t h e highway system in Saudi Arabia.