From lane-less to lane-free: Implications in the era of automated vehicles

Advances in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and research into connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology have renewed interest in lane-free traffic. The present study reviews a large body of scientific literature to explore the potential impacts of lane-less and lane-free traffic streams and examines the control strategies and trends of lane-free traffic through the lens of future transport. The findings indicate that lane-free traffic has the potential to positively impact road traffic, including an increase in traffic performance and a rise in road infrastructure capacity due to efficient space use and the seepage behavior of small-sized vehicles (e.g., motorized two-wheelers) in mixed traffic scenarios. Furthermore, studies on lane-less traffic with human-driven vehicles can provide essential insights into the potential behavior of lane-free AV traffic and how AVs might be programmed and designed to operate safely and effectively in complex settings. For instance, a lane-free traffic setting could be a better option for improving traffic flow when AVs vary in size, and seepage behavior can be incorporated into the driving characteristics of AVs.