Irregular traffic flow on a ring road

A model of irregular single-lane traffic flows on a ring road is proposed, with a number of fundamental differences from those traditionally examined in continuum mechanics. Even in the simplified version of the examination o f single-lane traffic, the model enables a correct qualitative and quantita tive description to be obtained of the conditions for ensuring maximum carr ying capacity and for the occurrence and evolution of traffic jams on roads . (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.