A pre-study of performance based design with regard to fire safety in tunnels is presented. It includes an analysis of the status of numerous countries concerning fire safety design and users perceived safety of tunnels. The users aspects as well as the design are important factors to be considered in the study. The study give an overview of different types of standards and a proposal for new research projects in order to establish a new Swedish road tunnel standard. The aim of the study was to examine the possibilities to develop a more performance based design with regard to safety for tunnels. The focus should be on users and the necessary functional requirements in order to meet a target standards. Prior to fulfil this goal a feasibility study that compiles knowledge current situation is needed.