Paper Details

TRB 90th Annual Meeting (January 23-27, 2011)

Event Number:	405
Event Title:	Using a Performance-Based Approach to Truck Operations and Regulation
Event Date:	Jan 24 2011 7:30PM- 9:30PM
Event Location:	Shoreham, Congressional
Event Description:
Event Agenda:

Using Dynamic Performance Measures in Regulating Heavy-Vehicle Weight and Dimension Limits: Experience in Ontario (11-0331)

Canada has been using heavy vehicle dynamic performance measures to determine allowable weights and dimensions since the late 1980’s. There are now seven measures commonly used; each with a recommended target value to be considered as acceptable. During a profound overhaul of the regulations in Ontario, carried out during the last decade, the need to undertake a systematic performance analysis brought to light a number of challenges in using the measures. The purpose of this paper is to describe how an indicator called Dynamic Performance Indicator (DPI) was used to address these challenges and to guide the process of policy formulation for weight and dimension regulations. The procedure guided the last phase of the program when a large number of vehicle configurations were analyzed and brought into regulation. Partial evidence shows that the DPI correlates well with vehicle collision rates and Ontario was able to establish a target DPI score to indicate acceptable dynamic performance. The use of a unique indicator greatly facilitates the process of establishing weight and dimensional limits for heavy vehicles within accepted dynamic performance standards.

Authors
     Corredor, Alfonso , Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Canada
     Madill, Ron , Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Canada