Star Rating for Schools

Coding guide
About Star Rating for Schools
Approximately 500 children are killed in preventable traffic crashes around the world every day. Sometimes
they are killed just yards from the school entrance. Every traffic death and every injury violate a child’s right to
an education.
Star Rating for Schools is an evidence-based tool for measuring, managing and communicating the risk
children are exposed to on a journey to school. It supports quick interventions that save lives and prevent
serious injuries from day one.
The United Nations has included road safety in its Sustainable Development Goal target 3.6, which is to halve
road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. SR4S is key to meeting these global targets for child and adolescent
pedestrians.
Star Rating for Schools was awarded a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in
December 2018, recognising the application’s huge potential to reduce risk and save the lives of pedestrians
worldwide.
Star Rating for Schools harnesses the power of the iRAP Star Ratings to measure the risk children are exposed
to on their journey to school. The iRAP Star Ratings are an internationally recognised measure of risk on roads,
with the least safe roads rated as one star and the safest as five stars. Star Rating for Schools utilises the
pedestrian component of Star Ratings to provide a measure of the contribution of road design to the risk for
each pedestrian.
Star Rating for Schools has only been made possible through the generous support of:

Founding sponsor: Major donor: Global programme partner:

For more information

To find out more about the Star Rating for Schools visit www.starratingforschool.org
For general enquiries, contact iRAP at icanhelp@irap.org

Star Rating for Schools Coding Guide Version 1.7 (English)

© International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) 2023
iRAP technology including protocols, processes and brands may not be altered or used in any way without the express
written agreement of iRAP.
iRAP is registered in England & Wales under company number 05476000.
Registered Office: 60 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 1

Contents
Contents .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4
2 New location ................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.1 Road name ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Section ............................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Assessor comment ............................................................................................................................ 4
2.4 Right and left side of the road ............................................................................................................ 4
2.5 Image ................................................................................................................................................. 4
3 Road environment ........................................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 Land use ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Area type............................................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Vehicle parking .................................................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Sight distance ..................................................................................................................................11
4 Road type...................................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Number of lanes ..............................................................................................................................12
4.2 Lane width .......................................................................................................................................15
4.3 Shoulder rumble ..............................................................................................................................17
4.4 Road surface condition ....................................................................................................................18
4.5 Grip ..................................................................................................................................................20
4.6 Grade ...............................................................................................................................................22
4.7 Carriageway type .............................................................................................................................24
5 Road features ............................................................................................................................................26
5.1 Median (Middle of road) ...................................................................................................................26
5.2 Lines and signs ................................................................................................................................32
5.3 Street lighting ................................................................................................................................... 33
6 School zone ...............................................................................................................................................34
6.1 School warning ................................................................................................................................34
6.2 School crossing supervisor ..............................................................................................................36
7 Sidewalks ...................................................................................................................................................38
7.1 Sidewalks.........................................................................................................................................38
7.2 Road edge .......................................................................................................................................41
7.3 Pedestrian channelization ................................................................................................................43
8 Pedestrian crossing ...................................................................................................................................44
8.1 Crossing on main and side road ...................................................................................................... 44

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 2

9 Pedestrian crossing type ............................................................................................................................46
9.1 Crossing features ............................................................................................................................. 46
9.2 Crossing quality ............................................................................................................................... 49
10 Flow......................................................................................................................................................51
10.1 Vehicles per day .............................................................................................................................. 51
10.2 Pedestrian crossing flow per hour ....................................................................................................51
10.3 Motorcycle percent (%) ....................................................................................................................52
10.4 Heavy vehicle percent (%) ............................................................................................................... 52
11 Intersections .........................................................................................................................................53
11.1 Intersection present ......................................................................................................................... 53
12 Intersection details ............................................................................................................................... 54
12.1 Intersection type............................................................................................................................... 54
12.2 Turn lane ..........................................................................................................................................58
12.3 Driveways ........................................................................................................................................59
12.4 Intersection side road flow ...............................................................................................................60
12.5 Intersection quality ........................................................................................................................... 61
13 Curve ...................................................................................................................................................63
13.1 Curve ...............................................................................................................................................63
14 Curve details ........................................................................................................................................64
14.1 Curve type .......................................................................................................................................64
14.2 Curve quality ....................................................................................................................................66
15 Speed ...................................................................................................................................................68
15.1 Speed limit .......................................................................................................................................68
15.2 Speed limit unit ................................................................................................................................ 69
15.3 Operating speed ..............................................................................................................................69
15.4 Speed management ........................................................................................................................70

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 3

1 Introduction
This coding guide provides a guide for all road features that are collected as part of Star Rating for Schools
(SR4S). Further information on iRAP Star Rating methodology and access to training courses can be found at
www.irap.org/training.

2 New location
2.1 Road name
The name of the primary road where the assessment is being conducted.

2.2 Section
The section name/number is used to differentiate between different locations along the same road, for instance.
It is recommended that the section name/number be meaningful to the end user. For example, section names
could describe a location as ‘in front of school’.

2.3 Assessor comment

If there are key context comments in relation to the location, these should be recorded. For example: ‘school
main entrance’, ‘shortcut used by children’, ‘bus stop’, etc.

2.4 Right and left side of the road

The terms ‘left side’ and ‘right side’ are used throughout the manual. To define each side for the codification,
it is suggested to consider the direction of traffic (imagine yourself as a driver and use this direction as the
reference). If for some reason you have coded a specific location using a different reference, please add this
as a note in the comments section and provide images registering this coding perspective.

2.5 Image
Add images of the location that are sufficient to allow the data reviewer to check all the data collected for
accuracy. Pictures are also important for keeping records of the data collection process and decisions made
by the assessor in the field. For example, right and left side of the road, special conditions, etc. These will also
be helpful in capturing the baseline situation and will allow a comparison to be made after road upgrades.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 4

3 Road environment
3.1 Land use
Record the type of roadside development that is observed on right and left side of the road. This is used to
provide an indication of the number of pedestrians likely to be in the area.
Notes:
Any areas of obvious potential high-intensity pedestrian activity should be recorded as ‘commercial’ even if
commercial activity is not immediately obvious.
Coding options

Undeveloped

Open land without shops, housing, industry or agriculture.

This should be recorded where the road is separated from its
environment with no possibility of the presence of pedestrians,
even in an urban area, for example, a bridge.

Residential

Residential housing is present.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 5

 Commercial

Shops or other commercial activity, parks and recreation spaces

(such as sporting fields) or areas where high intensity pedestrian
activity is evident.

Industrial

Industrial units, factories and manufacturing sites.

Farming

Land used for farming or agricultural activities.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 6

 School

Schools, colleges and universities.

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3.2 Area type
Record the level of roadside development through which the road is passing.
Coding options

Rural / open area

Area outside of an urban area or rural town or village.

Urban / rural town or village

Development, commercial activity, public services or group of

houses that impact the road and may influence the presence of
pedestrians.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 8

3.3 Vehicle parking
Record the extent to which there is vehicle parking along the edge of the road.
Notes:
This attribute should include parked vehicles regardless of whether they are authorised or not, as well as on-
street parking spaces, bus stops and general encroachment on the road.
Vehicle parking should be based on activities within 2m of the outside edge of the driveable lane.
Coding options
None

No parking on either side of the road.

One side

Parking on one side of the road.

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 Two sides

Parking on both sides of the road.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 10

3.4 Sight distance
Record the ability of the driver to see the pedestrians or bicyclists either on the roadway, or about to cross the
road ahead, or other vehicles at an intersection.
Notes:
Poor visibility may result from road curves, inclines or declines (e.g. hills or dips in the road) as well as physical
obstructions such as roadside objects and vegetation.
Coding options
Adequate

No visibility restrictions along the road.

Poor

Major/ limited visibility restriction(s) along the road.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 11

4 Road type
4.1 Number of lanes
Record the number of lanes in each direction of travel (i.e. the number of lanes on one side of the road).
Notes:
Only lanes that serve through traffic should be considered.
Coding options
One
1

One lane in direction of travel.

Two
2

Two lanes in direction of travel.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 12

 Three
3

Three lanes in direction of travel.

Four or more
4

Four or more lanes in direction of travel.

One and two

1&2

Undivided carriageway with two lanes in one direction and one

in the other direction.

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 Two and three
2&3

Undivided carriageway with three lanes in one direction and

two in the other direction.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 14

4.2 Lane width
Record the width of each lane.
Notes:
If no lane markings are present, the total road width should be divided by the number of traffic streams.
Coding options
Wide
WIDE

Lane width is greater than 4.25m

>3.25m
to
4.25m

Medium
MEDIUM

Lane width is 2.75m to 3.25m

2.75m
to
3.25m

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 15

 Narrow
NARROW

Lane width is less than 2.75m

Rule of thumb - A bus or truck would struggle to fit in a narrow 1.75m
to
lane. <2.75m

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 16

4.3 Shoulder rumble
Record if the markings on the edge of the road have elements that rumble when vehicles go over them. These
will make the vehicle shake and warn drivers that they are leaving the road.
Notes:
Shoulder rumble strips may be constructed by cutting grooves into the pavement surface or by adding raised
ribs to the road marking.
Coding options
Not present

No shoulder rumble strip present.

Present

Shoulder rumble strip present.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 17

4.4 Road surface condition
Record the condition of the road surface.
Good road condition is where there is a level, even running surface that is free from major surface defects that
may adversely affect the vehicle path.
Notes:
Issues that should be considered include anything that would cause an impact on vehicle control, for example:
• Deformation and cracking – an uneven surface that can lead to an uncomfortable and/or unsafe
journey
• Pot-holes – any holes in the road surface due to loss of material, sufficiently wide or deep enough to
cause a severe jolt or loss of control to the vehicle, or
• Edge defects – any problems with the edge of the road which encroach on the driving lane.
The features of a poor or medium-condition road need only to be present at some point along the length, not
over its entire length. Typically, a poor category will have serious defects for over 5 meters or more.
Coding options
Good
GOOD

Road has very few or no issues. There is no potential impact on

vehicle control or path.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 18

 Medium
MEDIUM

Road has a number of minor issues which may result in

occasional impact on vehicle control or path.

Poor
POOR

Road has serious issues which are likely to result in frequent or

unpredictable impact on vehicle control.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 19

4.5 Grip
Record the level of general grip a vehicle is likely to have on the road.
Notes:
Observe issues such as loose gravel as well as sections of the road surface which are smooth, shiny or slippery.
Coding options
Good
GOOD

The road surface is expected to have adequate skid resistance

performance. There are no visible smooth and shiny sections on
the preferred vehicle path.

Medium
MEDIUM

The road surface has a medium grip surface.

For example:
• The road surface is paved and looks smooth and shiny
for up to 20% of the preferred vehicle path.

• Loose gravel or other material is present for up to 20%.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 20

 Poor
POOR

The road surface has a low grip surface.

For example:
• The road surface is paved and looks smooth and shiny
for more than 20% of the preferred vehicle path.

• Loose gravel or other material is present for more than

20%.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 21

4.6 Grade
Record the slope / gradient of the road along its length.
Notes:
Grade refers to both upward and downward slopes.
Coding options
≥0 to <7.5%

Flat or a rise of up to 7.5m over 100m length, or an angle of up

to 4.3 degrees.

<4.3°

≥7.5 to <10%

A rise of 7.5m to <10m over 100m length, or an angle of 4.3 to

5.75 degrees.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 22

 ≥10%

A rise of more than 10m over 100m length, or an angle of greater

than 5.75 degrees.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 23

4.7 Carriageway type
Divided (dual) carriageways should be assessed in each direction separately, but undivided (single)
carriageway roads are recorded in one direction only, even if the traffic is two-way. What is considered divided
and undivided depends on the median type and its length:

• Divided carriageways are those that physically separate opposing traffic flows by either a barrier or a
wide physical median consistently and for a distance of 400m or more.

• An undivided carriageway has no physical separation between opposing traffic flows, or physically
separates traffic for a section of less than 400m.
Notes:
One-way roads must be coded as undivided and the ‘Median type’ set to one-way. Service roads must be
coded separately to the main carriageways. Code service roads the same way as standard roads.
Coding options

North/East

Carriageway A assessed.

South/West

Carriageway B assessed.

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 Not Applicable

Undivided or simple carriageway. There is no consistent central

median dividing the two traffic directions. This type of
carriageway also includes one-way roads.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 25

5 Road features
5.1 Median (Middle of road)
Record the feature that separates the two opposing traffic flows.
Coding options
Centreline only

Single or double central line or marked central strip <0.3m wide.

Centre line can be either dashed or solid, and of any colour
(according to local regulations).

Double centreline

Single or double centre line or marked central strip 0.3m to 1m

wide.

Central line can be either dashed or solid, and of any colour

(according to local regulations).

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 26

 Continuous wide median markings (>60cm)

Marked central strip >0.6m wide.

Examples of marking are:
• Ladder hatching

• Stripes

• Coloured paving

Turn lane

Continuous central lane designated as a turning lane.

Flexible posts

Flexible posts or bollards, but not a continuous physical divider.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 27

 Separated 0m to <1m

Divided road with defined median of different material of width

<1m.

0 to
1m

Separated 1m to <5m

Divided road with defined median of different material of width

1m to <5m.

1 to
5m

Separated 5m to <10m

Divided road with defined median of different material of width

5m to <10m.

5 to
10m

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 28

 Separated 10m to <20m

Divided road with defined median of different material of width

10 to <20m.

10 to 20m

Separated 20+m

Divided road with defined median of different material of width

20m or greater.

>20m

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 29

 Metal Barrier

Divided road with safety barrier made of metal.

If the barrier is visibly defective, ignore the barrier.

Concrete Barrier

Divided road with safety barrier constructed from concrete.

If the barrier is visibly defective, ignore the barrier.

Wire Barrier

Divided road with safety barrier comprised of posts with

tensioned wires between them.
If the barrier is visibly defective, ignore the barrier.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 30

 Motorcycle Barrier

Divided road with safety barrier with some form of protection

for the supporting post or legs.
If the barrier is visibly defective, ignore the barrier.

One way

Vehicles travel in a single direction with no opposing flow.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 31

5.2 Lines and signs
Record the presence / condition of the road signs, lines and markings.
Notes:
Examples of delineation are:
• Centre lines and lane markers
• Edge lines
• Guideposts / delineators, road studs and hazard markers
• Signage
Warning signs must be present to warn drivers of any sudden change in the road conditions like lane narrowing.
Coding options
Adequate

Warning signs of severe hazards, and centre and edge

markings are generally present and visible.

Poor

Signing of hazards, or centre and edge markings are absent or

in poor condition over long lengths.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 32

5.3 Street lighting
Record the presence of street lighting that is sufficient for illuminating pedestrians and bicyclists.
Coding options
Not Present

Street lighting is not present or insufficient to illuminate

pedestrians and bicyclists.

Present

Street lighting is present to a degree sufficient to illuminate

pedestrians and bicyclists.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 33

6 School zone
6.1 School warning
Record the presence of a school zone.
Notes:
School zones are likely to have appropriate road signs and markings to make motorists aware of the presence
of vulnerable road users such as young pedestrians and cyclists. Parking restrictions may also apply in school
zones. School zones are likely to have reduced speed limits for certain times of the day.
Coding options
Flashing Beacon

A school zone is present and incorporates flashing beacons to

give emphasis to the warning signs and appropriate speed

SCHOOL
limit.

Signs / markings

A school zone is present with appropriate warning signs. Road

markings and speed limit signs may also be present.
SCHOOL

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 34

 No school zone warning

School is present but no school zone warning signs or

markings are evident.

SCHOOL
Not applicable

No school at the location.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 35

6.2 School crossing supervisor
Record the presence of a crossing supervisor, warden or lollipop lady/man. The crossing supervisor will assist
children in safely crossing roads on their way to and from school.
Notes:
School crossing supervisors often operate during the school community’s peak demand period both in the
morning and in the afternoon. Also referred to as a school crossing patrol.
Coding options
Supervisor

The pedestrian crossing has a crossing supervisor present

during school hours. The crossing supervisor may be present

SCHOOL
throughout the school day or during periods of high pedestrian
activity only, for example, at school start and finish times.

No Supervisor

No crossing supervisor is present at the pedestrian crossing

facility or only present on an irregular basis.
SCHOOL

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 36

 Not applicable

No school at the location.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 37

7 Sidewalks
7.1 Sidewalks
Record the presence of a pedestrian path on the right and left sides of the roadway.
Notes:
A good quality sidewalk is a purpose-built facility for pedestrians that has an all-weather surface that provides
a reliable surface for pedestrians to walk on.
Sidewalk separation is based on its distance from the outer edge of the road (e.g. the curb or the edge of the
tarmac).
Curbs are not a physical barrier. While discouraging traffic from passing over them, curbs do little to prevent
road traffic from entering the sidewalk, unless specifically designed to do so..
If the sidewalk is obstructed or overcrowded (e.g. by roadside traders or shop front activities) so that
pedestrians need to walk in the roadway, then code as if sidewalk is not present.
Non-physical separation may include grass verges.
Coding options
None

No discernible sidewalk is provided.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 38

 Sidewalk 0m to <1m Away

Good quality sidewalk is adjacent to the road or separated

from road by less than 1m.

Sidewalk 1m to 3m Away

Good quality sidewalk is separated from road by 1m to 3m,

and no barrier provided.

Sidewalk ≥3m Away

Good quality sidewalk is separated from road by at least 3m or

more and no barrier provided.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 39

 Sidewalk Behind Barrier

Sidewalk separated from road by a physical barrier sufficient to

restrain a vehicle from entering the pedestrian facility at the
posted speed limit.

Poor Quality Sidewalk

A path which is partially obstructed, has an uneven surface, is

vulnerable to weather conditions, has limited access (e.g. very
narrow or no ramp), or is less than 1m from the road edge.

Medium Quality Sidewalk

A path which provides satisfactory access for most pedestrians

in fine weather conditions, is unobstructed and is more than
1m from the road edge.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 40

 Shared Path

A path which is shared with bicycles or other types of light

mobility.

7.2 Road edge

Record the width of the paved road shoulder for both sides of the road, i.e. the distance between the edge line
of the outer traffic lane and the curb or edge of the tarmac.
Notes:
If the tarmac begins to break up on a shoulder, the width should be measured up to where the edge break
occurs.
If a road has no markings for a shoulder (i.e. no edge line), then record it as ‘none’ as a vehicle is considered
to be able to travel to the edge of the sealed surface.
Coding options
None

There is no edge line present.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 41

 0m to <1m Wide

Road edge is 0m to <1.0m wide.

Rule of thumb – A narrow paved shoulder should be recorded
wherever an edge marking is present even if the edge line is
very close to the pavement edge.

1m to <2.4m Wide

Road edge is 1m to less than 2.4 m wide.

≥2.4m Wide

Road edge is ≥ 2.4m wide.

Rule of thumb: A wide shoulder is wider than a car.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 42

7.3 Pedestrian channelization
Record if there is fencing or other feature/s present (e.g. garden beds) that direct pedestrians toward crossing
facilities on one or both sides of the road.
Coding options
Not Present

No pedestrian channelization present.

Present

Pedestrian channelization present.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 43

8 Pedestrian crossing
8.1 Crossing on main and side road
Record if there is a pedestrian crossing facility on the inspected road or a side road.
If a crossing is present, further information about it will be requested.
Coding options
Present on main road

A pedestrian crossing facility is present on the main road.

Present on side road

A pedestrian crossing facility is present on a side road.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 44

 Not present

No pedestrian crossing facility on either a main road or a side

road.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 45

9 Pedestrian crossing type
9.1 Crossing features
Record details for the pedestrian crossing recorded.
Notes:
The selected crossing feature must reflect the infrastructure available on the assessed road. If there is no
crossing facility, the option None must be selected.
Coding options
None

No crossing facility is offered for pedestrians.

Lights

The crossing has traffic lights to control pedestrians and

vehicles movement.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 46

 Raised

The crossing is raised from the road surface, meaning that

vehicles have to slow down at the crossing.

Bridge or Tunnel

The crossing is higher or lower than the road and hence does
not mix pedestrians and vehicles.

Marked

The crossing has markings on the road.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 47

 Unmarked

The crossing has no markings on the road.

Refuge

A central refuge island is provided for pedestrians. This may be

a purpose-built island or refuge provided as part of a physical
median.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 48

9.2 Crossing quality
Record how well the pedestrian crossing can be seen by drivers, or if there are warning signs present.
Notes:
The three primary factors to be considered in coding quality of crossing are:
• Signing
• Markings
• Good visibility
An effective pedestrian crossing is one where:

• Vehicle drivers are required to stop and give pedestrian right-of-way (and do so)
• The facility is clearly visible and can be anticipated by vehicle drivers, and

• The facility is not obstructed by parked vehicles, street furniture or other items.
A pedestrian crossing is ineffective where for example:

• Drivers may brake suddenly or fail to see the facility due to the road’s curvature, speed, downward
gradient, poor sight distance or other factor,
• Pedestrians are entering the facility between parked cars and cannot be seen by approaching drivers
or

• Green pedestrian signals do not provide right-of-way to pedestrians.

Coding options
Adequate

Signing, marking & visibility enable a driver to be aware in

good time of the presence of a pedestrian crossing.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 49

 Poor

Crossing facility is ineffective.

Rapid or unexpected speed adjustments might be needed to

avoid risk to pedestrians.

No crossing

There is no pedestrian crossing facility in the assessed

location.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 50

10 Flow
10.1 Vehicles per day
Record the total number of vehicles that would use the road in a day.

10.2 Pedestrian crossing flow per hour

Record the average number of pedestrians that:

• Cross the road during the busiest hour of the day

• Walk along the left side of the road during the busiest hour of the day, and
• Walk along the right side of the road during the busiest hour of the day.
Coding options

1 to 5

6 to 25

26 to 50

51 to 100

101 to 200

201 to 300

301 to 400

401 to 500

501 to 900

900+

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 51

10.3 Motorcycle percent (%)
Record the percentage of motorcycles as a proportion of total vehicles per day.
Coding options

0%

1-5%

6-10%

11-20%

21-40%

41-60%

61-80%

81-99%

100%

10.4 Heavy vehicle percent (%)

Record the percentage of heavy vehicles as a proportion of total vehicles per day.
Coding options

0-5%

6-10%

11-15%

16-20%

21-30%

31-40%

>40%

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 52

11 Intersections
11.1 Intersection present
Record if there is an intersection at the location.
Notes
If an intersection is recorded, the system will also ask about its features.
Coding options
Intersection

There is an intersection at the location.

It can be any type of intersection, not just a 3-leg intersection as
shown on the icon.

No Intersection

There is no intersection at the location.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 53

12 Intersection details
12.1 Intersection type
Record key features of the intersection.
Notes
If a 3-leg or 4-leg intersection is coded, further options are required. In the website, the option that combines
the type of intersection and all the additional features present must be selected.
Coding options
Merge lane

Traffic joins the road being assessed via a merge lane. This is
typically the case at split level intersections.

Diverge lane

Traffic exits the road being assessed via diverge lane. This is
typically the case at split level intersections.

3 legs

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 54

 The intersection has 3 legs.

4+ legs

The intersection has 4 or more legs.

Roundabout

Circular intersection with flow in a single direction around a

central island.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 55

 Mini roundabout

Small roundabout – typically found in low-speed urban areas.

Formal U-turn

A formal (designated) median crossing that allows vehicles to

cross over the median.

Informal U-turn

A median crossing that has developed informally overtime

through use.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 56

 Railway crossing with active signals

An at-grade railway crossing with a physical device to warn of

an approaching train (flashing lights and/or boom gates).

Railway crossing with passive signage only

An at-grade railway crossing with give way or stop signage only

(or no signage).

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 57

12.2 Turn lane
Record whether a 3 or 4 leg intersection has a turn lane.
Notes
Only record turn lanes for 3 leg or 4 leg intersections. In the website, the option that combines the type of
intersection with or without turn lanes present must be selected.
Coding options

Turn Lane Present

A turn lane that allows vehicles to wait in the middle of the

intersection before turning across the vehicles travelling in the
opposite direction.

Star Rating for Schools - Coding Guide 58

12.3 Driveways
Record the number of driveways and entrances where vehicles can enter or exit the roadway. This includes
commercial and residential driveways and minor access lanes.
Coding options
Not applicable

No residential or commercial access points.

1 or 2 Driveways

Fewer than 3 residential access points or an access point that

serves three or fewer residential properties. May also include
minor farm accesses and other minor tracks used by motor
vehicles to gain occasional access to the main carriageway.

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 >2 Driveways

Three or more residential access points or an access point that

serves three or more residential properties.

Commercial Access

Commercial access point present.

Examples include service stations, shops and roadside cafes,
and rest stops.

12.4 Intersection side road flow

Record the total number of vehicles that would use the intersecting road in a day.

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12.5 Intersection quality
Record if the intersection has appropriate design, advance warning, signing, and markings.
Notes:
Factors resulting in a ‘poor’ intersection may include:

• Lack of advance signage and marking on an intersection approach where the intersection is not clearly
visible to approaching drivers (such as where approach visibility is limited).
• Very short merge lanes.

• Intersection geometry not designed in accordance with posted speed limit.

Coding options
Adequate

Intersection design is adequate and necessary signage and

markings are present.

Poor

Intersection design is poor, or necessary signage and markings

are absent or obstructed with limited visibility, or where the angle
with the intersecting leg is small enough to reduce the visibility.

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 No intersection

There is no intersection in the assessed location.

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13 Curve
13.1 Curve
Record if there is a curve at the location.
Notes
In the website, the option that combines the presence and type of curve must be selected.
Coding options
Curve

There is a curve at the location.

No Curve

There is no curve at the location.

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14 Curve details
14.1 Curve type
Record details about the curve.
Coding options
Straight

The road section contains no curve or long curves.

Moderate

The road has a fairly tight curve.

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 Sharp

The road has sharp curves, nearly 45º.

Very sharp

The road has curves between 45º and 90º which can only be
driven at low speeds.

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14.2 Curve quality
Record how easy it is for a driver to judge how sharp a curve is and whether it can be driven safely.
The quality of the curve will reflect the extent to which signage and markings help the driver to judge the correct
curvature, and the visibility in advance of, and around, the curve.
Coding options
Adequate

Signage, markings and visibility where needed, enable a driver

to judge curvature.

Poor

Rapid or unexpected speed adjustments are needed to

negotiate the curve. Lack of advanced signage. Missing or
poorly maintained road markings.

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 No curve

There is no curve in the assessed location.

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15 Speed
15.1 Speed limit
Record the posted speed limit for vehicles on the road.
Do not attempt to record the speed of the traffic using the road.
Do not record temporary speed limits at roadworks or advisory speeds.
Coding options

≥150 Speed limit is 150km/h / 150mph or greater

140 Speed limit is 140km/h / 140mph

130 Speed limit is 130km/h / 130mph

120 Speed limit is 120km/h / 120mph

110 Speed limit is 110km/h / 110mph

100 Speed limit is 100km/h / 100mph

90 Speed limit is 90km/h / 90mph

80 Speed limit is 80km/h / 80mph

70 Speed limit is 70km/h / 70mph

60 Speed limit is 60km/h / 60mph

50 Speed limit is 50km/h / 50mph

40 Speed limit is 40km/h / 40mph

30 Speed limit is 30km/h / 30mph or less

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15.2 Speed limit unit
Record what units are used (kilometres or miles per hour) for the speed limits recorded.

15.3 Operating speed

In the web application, record the operating speed registered at that location.
Notes:
The unit of the operating speed will change based on the speed limit unit selected.
Coding options (km/h)

-10 km/h -10 km/h Most vehicles are travelling 10km/h below the speed limit

-5 km/h -5 km/h Most vehicles are travelling 5km/h below the speed limit

0 km/h 0 km/h Most vehicles are travelling at the speed limit

+5 km/h +5 km/h Most vehicles are travelling 5km/h above the speed limit

+10 km/h +10 km/ Most vehicles are travelling 10km/h above the speed limit

+15 km/h +15 km/ Most vehicles are travelling 15km/h above the speed limit

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15.4 Speed management
Record the presence of road features that will typically reduce the operating speed by 5-10km/h below the
speed limit.
Notes:
Traffic calming features include kerb buildouts, speed bumps, raised tables, entry treatments, speed cushions,
chicanes and modified intersections.
Coding options
Not present

No traffic calming or speed management features present.

Present

Traffic calming/speed management features are present to a

degree sufficient to reduce the operating speed by 5-10km/h
below the speed limit.
For example:

• Kerb build outs

• Speed table
• Speed bump

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Version

Date Version Update

Sept 2017 1.0 Document created.

Jan 2019 1.1 Added ‘None’ category for property access point.

May 2019 1.2 Sequence of attributes reorganised.

Mar 2020 1.3 Updates related to SR4S Global Launch.

May 2020 1.4 Minor updates.

Oct 2020 1.5 New description of crossing quality and right and left side of the road.

June 2021 1.6 General edits and minor changes to attribute and sub-attribute labels. Land use
‘residential’ definition updated. Pedestrian fence attribute is locked for review. Diagrams
updated for grade, median, school zone, school crossing supervisor and road edge.

June 2023 1.7 Broad updates to reflect changes to the pedestrian model. New categories include
‘Diverge lane’ in intersection type; ‘Shared path’ in sidewalks, and ‘Unmarked crossing’
in pedestrian crossing features. Intersection channelization has been removed (has no
impact on the pedestrian model). ‘Pedestrian channelisation’ attribute replaces
‘Pedestrian fencing’. Coding guidance changes required for intersection side road flow
and for crossings with pedestrian refuges which are integrated into the road median.
Motorcycle and heavy vehicle percentage have been introduced into Flow. Signals have
been removed from intersection details (has no impact on the pedestrian model).
Diagrams simplified and updated.

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