Is the panic over section-based measurement over? A modified sign D-51a will appear on highways

In short:

Drivers will receive clear warnings about speed measurement in specific sections

The new version of sign D-51a will indicate both OPP and the applicable speed limit

The Ministry of Infrastructure hopes this change will improve traffic flow and safety

Researchers will analyze, among other things, average vehicle speeds and speed variations within monitored sections

The results of these analyses will serve as a basis for introducing legislative changes

New sign: testing has begun

Sectional speed measurement has for years been one of the most effective tools for disciplining drivers — we have written about this many times in our publications. The paradox, however, is that it is precisely in areas under such surveillance that behaviors often occur that can negatively impact traffic safety. Drivers sometimes slow down abruptly before entering the monitored section or drive much slower than regulations permit. Now, the Ministry of Infrastructure wants to determine whether this can be addressed through simpler and clearer information.

The National Road Traffic Safety Council (KRBRD) has just approved a resolution to launch a research project on a new design for sign D-51a, which is a sign indicating speed measurement in specific sections. Signs with information about the current speed limit will be installed on selected highways and expressways.

The new version of the sign is intended to include a representation of sign B-33 “speed limit” placed in the lower left corner of the panel. The value displayed on the sign will always correspond to the limit in effect in the section under automatic average speed monitoring, according to the transportation ministry.

Drivers Are Confused

The idea did not arise by chance. As the ministry emphasizes, it has received numerous requests recently to add information about the permitted speed to sign D-51a. According to the proponents of these requests, such a solution could help drivers properly understand the rules in effect on the monitored section.

Vice Minister of Infrastructure Stanisław Bukowiec also spoke about the issue. He noted, “Drivers on expressway and highway sections equipped with speed measurement devices are often confused because they do not know what speed limit applies.” In his view, this confusion can lead to irrational behaviors such as sudden braking or driving at a speed significantly lower than the allowed limit — according to gov.pl.

After the KRBRD meeting, the deputy minister stated that the proposal was unanimously approved by all council members. He noted that reminders of the maximum allowable speed will appear on signs D-51a on expressways and highways subject to section-based speed monitoring.

It’s about smooth traffic flow

The goal of the program is not only to improve the clarity of road signs. It is also crucial to determine whether the new signs will actually affect drivers’ behavior. Researchers will analyze, among other things, average vehicle speeds, changes in speed within monitored sections, instances of sudden braking, the number of speed violation incidents, and the type and causes of road accidents.

As Stanisław Bukowiec noted, drivers often “brake suddenly in front of signs that mark the start or end of a speed measurement” these days. He believes such reactions can directly affect traffic safety levels.

Authorities do not hide that the results of this project could form the basis for permanent changes to regulations. “The analysis from this project will serve as a foundation for us to introduce legislative changes in the future so that this sign can come into effect,” the deputy minister said.

Experts to evaluate the new sign

The project will be carried out by the General Directorate of National Roads and Highways in collaboration with the Police Headquarters, the Main Road Transport Inspection, the Road and Bridge Research Institute, and the Motor Transport Institute. The studies will be conducted on selected sections of highways and expressways that already have an automatic average speed monitoring system in place.

The scale of this project can be significant considering the development of Poland’s expressway network. According to GDDKiA data, it currently spans 5593.2 km, of which 3643.2 km are expressways. In the future, the network is expected to reach around 7980 km, including approximately 2100 km of motorways.

Oskar Włostowski