Introduction
Traffic flow theories borrow principles from physics and mathematics to describe in
a precise way the interactions between the vehicles and their operators (the mobile
component) and the roadway system, including signs, control devices, markings, etc.
(the immobile component). As such, these theories are an indispensable component for
all models and tools that are being used in the design and operation of streets and
highways. While the theoretical analysis of traffic flow had its beginnings in the
1930's with the application of probability theory to the description of road traffic,
there is still no unified theory of traffic flow; but rather there are several theoretical
approaches to describe the phenomena. Innovations in the ITS arena, have made the
validation and sometimes the expansion of such theories possible.
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