By the end of this chapter I will be able to: zz zz zz
zz zz
Syllabus Links: 5.6
identify and explain the causes and impacts of traffic movement and congestion; describe and explain the causes and impacts of urban sprawl; outline issues facing heritage in urban areas;
zzdescribe planning strategies to deal with urban decay and renewal; explain issues around the absence of community;
identify and explain problems caused by the growth of developing world cities; zzidentify issues relating to cities of the future.
Around the world, the growth and expansion of urban centres result in issues that impact on how those cities function.
Traffic Flow and Congestion
Traffic movement and congestion have become major issues in all the cities of the world.
Causes
Urban sprawl is pushing residential zones and the commuter belt further out and away from the Central Business District (CBD) of cities.
Public transport networks are limited in extent and capacity, so people have no choice but to use their cars to commute to the CBD and other business cores within cities.
Huge volumes of traffic at rush hour, a lack of capacity on roads, and narrow streets all contribute to the problem.
Impacts Socio-economic
Longer journey times result in increased fuel consumption, adding to transport costs and increasing production costs.
Delays result in increased stress levels for workers, impairing their health and work performance.
Early departures and late arrival home for workers results in a lack of quality family time.
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KEYWORDS
commuter belt public transport narrow streets
fuel consumption delays
family time toxic fumes congestion charges carpooling bus lanes
