Table 1 Characteristics of the different scenarios used (French law limits speeds to 130 kph (81 mph) or 110 kph (68 mph) on motorways, 90 kph (56 mph) in rural and periurban areas and 50 kph (31 mph) in built-up areas. However, local special features may be applied according to the context

Scenario 1

Initial database

Respect of national speed limits

Private car submitted to French Highway Code respect

Scenario 2

Emergency transport

20 kph (12 mph) above the limit throughout the road network

Analysis based on Rhône’s SAMU stroke interventions between 2012 and 2016, and Petzäll et al. [31] study

Scenario 2’

Emergency transport in urban and rural areas

20 kph (12 mph) higher in rural areas and 10 kph (6.2 mph) lower in urban areas

Complementary scenario for sensitivity analysis, based on literature review (Petzäll et al. [31]) and SAMU interventions analysis

Scenario 3

Difficult weather conditions (rain, fog, snow)

20 kph (12 mph) lower than the limit throughout the road network

Respect of the R413-2 article French Highway Code when there is severe weather conditions

Scenario 4

Emergency transport with traffic jams in the Lyons city area

20 kph (12 mph) lower in the Lyons metropolitan network (59 communes), 20 kph (12 mph) higher in the rest of the network

Petzäll et al. [31] study and SAMU interventions analysis for 20 kph higher and SAMU interventions analysis during traffic jam for 20 kph lower