Utrecht tests eye-catching traffic sign to improve safety at Waterlinieweg exit
Drivers illegally using bus lanes and running red lights at Utrecht’s Waterlinieweg exit have created dangerous situations for cyclists and pedestrians. The municipality and province are testing a behavioral measure—featuring a graphic of eyes on a traffic sign—to encourage safer driving habits.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Waterlinieweg exit towards ’t Goyplein, Utrecht |
| Issue | Drivers using bus lanes, running red lights |
| Behavioral Measure | Traffic sign with graphic of eyes above traffic light |
| Study Timeline | |
| - Camera observation 1 | March 30 – April 5 |
| - Placement of traffic sign | April 6 – April 12 |
| - Camera observation 2 | April 13 – April 19 |
| Future Measure | Potential speed camera to monitor red-light running (decision by summer) |
| Commissioned by | Municipality of Utrecht and Province of Utrecht |
| Traffic Advisory Firm | DTV |
The municipality of Utrecht is responsible for local traffic safety and infrastructure, including the implementation of measures to reduce dangerous driving behavior. The province of Utrecht collaborates on regional traffic projects to enhance road safety and efficiency for all road users.
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Read the full translated article below
Study into traffic behavior at Waterlinieweg exit
The municipality of Utrecht and the province of Utrecht are launching a study into traffic behavior at the exit of the Waterlinieweg heading towards ’t Goyplein. The reason for this is persistent traffic safety issues at this location. With a temporary behavioral measure and camera observation, they aim to determine whether they can improve traffic behavior.
At this location, drivers frequently use the bus lane during peak hours, particularly to bypass the queue at the traffic light. This also includes running red lights. This leads to dangerous situations with cyclists and pedestrians crossing the road, as well as with crossing traffic at ’t Goyplein. Over the past few years, various reports have been made by road users who consider the situation unsafe.
Behavioral measure
To reduce the number of violations, traffic advisory firm DTV, commissioned by the municipality and province, has developed a local behavioral measure. A traffic sign will be placed at the location featuring a graphic of eyes above a traffic light. This measure leverages social control: research shows that people are more likely to adjust their behavior when they feel they are being watched.
The goal of the measure is to reduce the number of drivers using the bus lane and to decrease the frequency of running red lights.
Study timeline
- Camera observation 1: March 30 to April 5
- Placement of the traffic sign: April 6 to April 12
- Camera observation 2: April 13 to April 19
The cameras will record traffic movements to gain insight into road user behavior and the effect of the measure. After completion, the municipality will analyze the results to determine whether the traffic sign leads to a safer traffic situation. Additionally, the municipality of Utrecht has applied to the Central Public Prosecution Service (CVOM) for a speed camera to monitor red-light running. It is expected that by summer, it will be clear whether this speed camera can be installed.