This paper describes the results of a joint research programme by 3 German Federal ministries (Town Planning, Transport and Environmental) upon the effects of large scale environmental traffic management strategies on the environment and safety of towns. Six towns participated in the study: Berlin, Borgentreich, Buxtehude, Esslingen, Ingolstadt and Mainz. An individual traffic restraint strategy was worked out for each town, and these were publicized widely before implementation by means of public meetings, press coverage, and information leaflets. A variety of strategies were implemented on an areawide basis, and these included: (a) improving facilities for pedestrians, including pedestrian precincts, better pedestrian crossing facilities, reduced speed limits and wider pavements; (b) improved facilities for cyclists, including cycle paths, improved cycle crossing on main roads; (c) improved public transport and park and ride schemes; and (d) traffic calming strategies such as reduced traffic speeds, lane width restriction, lorry bans, and better parking facilities. The success of the systems was measured by: (a) speed reduction; (b) traffic reduction in residential areas; (c) accident reduction; (d) increases in bicycle or pedestrian traffic; (e) traffic noise, air pollution reduction; and (f) public opinion. The results show that the schemes have been very successful in encouraging pedestrian and cycle traffic. Traffic safety has also improved and the costs of the schemes are low enough for them to be applied to whole towns in future.
Abstract