prone “black spots” identified as having urgent safety problems. Other improvements included construction of medians, installation of traffic signals in areas of high traffic accident risk; upgrading of existing traffic signal systems through the use of centralized control and systematization and making road signs brighter, larger and variable. In addition, new improvement initiatives were taken, such as the installation of kilo-posts (distance markers), systems to inform motorists of the approach of oncoming cars, speed restriction systems, and improved road lighting and road delineators.

2) Efforts have been made to help the elderly and disabled to lead more independent and socially active lives. The efforts included the creation of wide, flat pedestrian walkways and installation of traffic signals with audio guidance, particularly in areas around railway stations and other widely used public facilities. The addition of features such as elevators at busy traffic junctions has also been promoted. Under the “Barrier-Free” Law (officially known as the Transportation Accessibility Law), railway station vicinities have been designated as high-priority areas for improvements. In the designated sectors, projects have been selectively carried out to construct wide, easy-to-use pedestrian walkways and traffic signals with added functions to make crossing roads safer for pedestrians. The plans call for the construction of such facilities in a wide area as part of a network of roadways in that area.

In addition, the following steps have been taken: the visibility of traffic signs and landmarks has been upgraded for the benefit of elderly drivers, the roads used by commuting school children and kindergartners have been redesigned to ensure their safety, and pedestrian walkways and traffic squares have been recreated to make them function integrally as part of roadways and as safety facilities.

3) To make road traffic smoother, more comfortable and safer, the national and local governments have installed more high-tech traffic management, improved the efficiency of traffic signals on arterial roads, and promoted comprehensive parking policies. They have promoted the construction of additional lanes for passing, and built "road stations" and other rest facilities. They have also promoted the deployment of traffic monitoring cameras, road information systems, and signs which are easier to understand and more consistent. Efforts have focused particularly on improving large information signs and route signs at and around intersections on major arterial roads. In view of Japan's growing internationalization, many signs have been upgraded to include roman script readings and graphical symbols, so that non-Japanese motorists can understand them more easily.

### 2. Construction of the Intelligent Transport System

In accordance with the comprehensive ITS (Intelligent Transport System) plan formulated in 1996, research and development, field-testing and infrastructure development are underway.

### 3. Promotion of Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

The national and local governments have carried out measures to expand traffic capacity, and promoted more advanced traffic control. In addition, they have promoted Transportation Demand