URBAN ISSUES IN M.E.D.C’s: TRAFFIC & SHOPPING IN THE CBD

Objectives Explain what congestion is. Explain the impact of traffic on an MEDC CBD and solutions aimed to reduce traffic impact. Know the issues present in a UK CBD and how such an area has been revitalised. CASE STUDY: Manchester, the Triangle.

What caused the initial problem??? The problem The centres of UK cities are older than the invention and arrival of the car, therefore cities struggle to cope with the increasing number of people trying to access the CBD by car

Cars don’t only cause congestion… Air Pollution: The tall buildings of the CBD trap car emissions leading to poor air quality of those people living in, working in or visiting the CBD. Idling time of cars also increases the volume of pollution as emissions from stationary traffic are high.

Traffic jams (congestion) Too many cars for the road system to handle = gridlock This can cause delays in travel time Stress for travellers. Deliveries are late Ambulances can’t reach people in a timely way Road rage

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM?????? CARROT STRATEGY: Give commuters wishing to travel by car a better option

Another way…..(not literally beat them with a big stick) STICK STRATEGY Punish commuters who continue to travel by car.

Congestion charging- pay to enter the city centre Advantages If you can’t afford to pay people find alternatives….. Disadvantages Rich people will still choose to drive…..

Bus lanes a separate bit of road for buses, usually inside left hand lane Advantages The buses can move quickly Don’t get held up in traffic. More people might take the bus if journey time is reduced. Disadvantages Reduces the road space Increasing the problem of congestion.

Oyster cards ‐ people have a pre pay card they swipe when they get on the bus Advantages It reduces the amount of time the driver needs to stop at each bus stop. Disadvantages

Park and ride schemes Drivers park their car at car parks on the outskirts of the city and walk/cycle/get a shuttle bus/tram/tube/metro into the city centre Advantages Less cars on road = less accidents, congestion, air pollution, healthier option, less stress in the work place Disadvantages Takes up space on the RUF

London Congestion Charge: stick/carrot? This strategy requires motorists travelling into the centre of London to pay a toll. Within the city there are certain congestion zones and it a motorist wishes to enter this zone they must pay the congestion charge

Newcastle: Metro Rail Network: carrot/stick??? Provides those people wish to travel into Newcastle city centre with an efficient public transport alternative. The Metro system runs regularly and services the surrounding area of Newcastle and routes have even been extended to Sunderland. Concessions are available for younger and older travellers.

Practice questions 1. Explain what is meant by congestion? (2 marks) 2. What impact apart from congestion does traffic have on a city? (4 marks) 3. Using an example(s) you have studied explain how the impact of traffic on a city can be reduced. (6)