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SEVEN.. Reducing, managing and taming traffic
Reducing volumes of traffic
Both large-scale measures, like congestion charging, and smaller measures, like point closures, are the way to encourage cycling and walking
Traffic reduction is difficult, but it has been achieved in recent years through the use of rising bollards in the central area and is also being tackled with the promotion of Park and Ride. This approach needs to be continued if we are to see a growth in cycle usage.
One other way of reducing traffic is through a congestion charging scheme of some kind. The Congestion Charge in London resulted in a considerable reduction in traffic in the capital and a significant reduction in delays. A congestion charge offers the potential for solving many problems in one go, in particular by freeing up roadspace for cycling and walking, creating a virtuous circle.
Smaller-scale measures are also well-worth considering and can be extremely effective. Two good examples of the kind of intelligent measures which improve life for cyclists are in Petersfield. One is on Gwydir Street next to the Alexandra Arms, and another at the junction of Sturton Street and Kingston Street, where entrances to the road have been closed to motorised traffic but are open to cyclists and walkers. This means the neighbourhood is a no-go area for rat runners but gives cyclists a safe, uncongested route across the city.
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