Managing traffic

Traffic demand management measures such as pricing mechanisms, ‘smarter choice’ soft measures and parking regimes, as well as using ICT and encouraging more efficient driving styles can be used to manage traffic.

Traffic demand management

Traffic demand management (TDM) or ‘mobility management’ measures are programmes and incentives to reduce car use and promote use of alternative modes of transport. TDM covers a very wide range of interventions operating at a variety of scales; some of the current initiatives in the UK include pricing mechanisms, ‘smarter choice’ soft measures and parking regimes.

The Victoria Transport Policy Institute and Leeds ITS Konsult websites give some useful advice on the range, application and likely impacts of TDM measures.

Information and communication technologies

Information and communication technologies (ICT) can be used to reduce the demand for travel. Electronic social interaction (using internet and mobile technologies) can, in theory, reduce the need for physical travel. The use of ICT can facilitate initiations such as flexible working hours, home and e-working, retailing, education and social interaction.

In practice the scope for travel reduction appears limited, certainly when examining recent trends. A complex adaptation of social interaction is more likely than the simple substitution for trips. People tend to engage in more communication when offered the chance. Although in future years, a more complete ‘network society’ might impact on the levels of physical travel, particularly if the price of travel becomes more expensive, the need for face to face interaction should not be underestimated.

ICT can also be used in transport, either in vehicle or as part of intelligent transport systems (ITS) and real-time travel updates. ITS systems should be focused on travel efficiency, social and environmental objectives. The Foresight Project on Intelligent Infrastructure Futures looks at the likely impact of future technologies on travel.

Local authorities can support the network society at a city or smaller scale by allowing space for working and live/work units within residential developments and through the provision of business hubs or telecentres.

More Efficient Driving Styles

A programme of lower speed limits on various routes, including arterial, local area roads and residential roads can be used to reduce the social impact of driving and vehicle emissions. Substantial emission reductions can be made if take up is high and enforcement difficulties are overcome.

Maximum speed limits can be introduced. 20mph zones in residential areas are very popular in the UK; example schemes are found in Edinburgh.

Lower speed limits can be applied citywide, which can help encourage increased levels of cycling and walking by making it a safer environment. Portsmouth was the first city in the UK to do this.

On the neighbourhood and site scale Home Zones are becoming an increasingly popular way to maximise both social and environmental benefits of slower speeds. These often design in traffic calming measures using landscaping and careful use of materials to create places which are both social and movement spaces.

'Ecological driving' skills can also reduce emissions. The innovative driving programme in the Netherlands promotes driving styles that fit better with emissions reduction. Driving after the programme improved average fuel consumption by 13% on a 40km test drive, with no changes in final driving time. Among the driving techniques identified as reducing emissions and improved fuel economy are:

• Driving at moderate speeds (e.g. in the 30 to 80 kph range)
• Avoiding excessive acceleration and harsh braking
• Observing motorway speed limits
• Starting the engine without using the accelerator
• Changing up through the gears at relatively low engine revolutions
• Driving in the highest comfortable gear at any given speed
• Remaining in high gear when decelerating
• Reducing the unnecessary loading of vehicles
• Keeping tyres inflated to correct pressures.
   

Priority: reduce car use and improve the carbon efficiency of vehicles
Tags: transport, regions and subregions, cities and towns