verkeersscheidingszones

Verkeersscheidingszones, also known in Dutch as verkeersscheidingszones, are spatial arrangements on roadways designed to separate different traffic streams to improve safety, reduce conflict points, and enhance traffic flow. They are commonly used in environments where multiple vehicular or non‑vehicular movements intersect, such as roundabouts, intersections, interchanges, and dedicated bus or tram corridors.

The primary goal of a verkeersscheidingszone is to isolate conflicting movements through the use of physical barriers, painted markings, or planimetric separation. Examples include raised curb lines that designate lanes for buses or cyclists, median islands that limit left‑turn movements, and C‑shaped or U‑shaped zones that funnel vehicles into specific exit lanes at roundabouts. In some cases, the zone is defined by a single line of paint with a precautionary buffer zone on either side.

These zones are regulated under European and national traffic legislation, which specifies design standards such as width, curvature, signage, and surface treatments. Compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) or its European equivalent ensures that the zone is safely integrated into the broader traffic network. Typical dimensions for a simple lane‑marking separation are 0.60 to 0.90 meters, while raised curb schemes require a minimum clearance of 0.45 meters to accommodate wheelchair access.

Typical applications include bus priority corridors, cycling lanes adjacent to roadways, parking separation between general and restricted zones, and dedicated emergency vehicle lanes. By visually and physically separating traffic, verkeersscheidingszones reduce accident rates and improve the predictability of road users.