## 1 Improvement of road traffic environment

• Improvement of people-first walking spaces offering safety and security

The national and local governments have been pursuing the following traffic safety projects in order to actively enhance sidewalks used as school routes, residential roads, urban thoroughfares, and other areas. Designed from the “perspective of the people” these initiatives have been implemented in cooperation with local community members.

(1) Aggressive efforts have been made to improve sidewalks in school zones etc in order to ensure the safety of children commuting to elementary schools, kindergartens, day care centers, and children's cultural facilities. Furthermore, the safety of school routes has been enhanced through the installation of push-button traffic signals and pedestrian signals, the construction of pedestrian overpasses, and the establishment of additional crosswalks.

(2) Sidewalk construction and other preventive measures against traffic accidents have been comprehensively applied on an area wide basis through the creation of “Safe Pedestrian Areas” in districts with high incidences of casualty-producing accidents in cooperation with prefectural public safety commissions and road management agencies.

In addition, prefectural public safety commissions and road management agencies have concertedly implemented accident prevention measures using the “Accident Prevention Manual for Residential Roads” $ ^{1} $ and other resources. Those measures included efforts to create safe, secure road spaces for both pedestrians and drivers through such improvements as controlling the speed of vehicles, clearly identifying the shape of roads and intersections to drivers, and clear demarcation of pedestrian and vehicle pathways.

(3) Further endeavors were also made to ensure the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicycle riders through concentrated projects in areas with a high risk of accidents involving those road users. The projects included renovation and other improvements of roads, as well as the construction of sidewalks and bicycle paths. Wide sidewalks were built whenever possible in providing more comfortable traveling spaces. Anywhere sidewalk construction was not feasible alternatives such as pedestrian and bicycle lanes were created alongside the roads.

In order to help the elderly and disabled people lead independent, socially active lives wide even sidewalks based on the law on the promotion of the smooth movement etc of the elderly and disabled (2006, Law 91) have been actively constructed beside roads connected to train stations, public facilities, and hospitals.

Other improvements have involved: the installation of barrier-free traffic signals, construction of elevator-equipped pedestrian overpasses, pedestrian rest areas, bicycle parking lots, and parking lots with spaces for the disabled; and the elimination of utility poles beside roads when under renovation. Moreover, various projects that include the conversion of traffic signals to LED lighting and the enhancement of the visibility of road markers have been implemented to ensure the safe passage of seniors and disabled people, and to respond to the growing number of elderly drivers.

## Application of Intelligent Transport System

The nation has continued to pursue the implementation of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that incorporates advanced information technology for use in coordinating people, road use, and vehicles within one integrated system. The system is designed to enhance road safety and transportation efficiency and comfort, as well as protect the environment by reducing traffic congestion and otherwise streamlining the flow of traffic. Guided by the principles established in 1996 under the Comprehensive ITS Initiative the government has spearheaded research and development projects, field tests 2, infrastructure developments, and other efforts in a collaboration with industry and academia.