This paper describes the development of a transport strategy for St Albans based on demand management, achieved through strict parking controls and park and ride schemes. The strategy was developed in response to existing commuter generated congestion and a forecast traffic growth of up to 50% over the next 15 years. Stated preference techniques were used to investigate parking policy options and the potential transfer of commuters to park and ride. The recently developed SATEASY elastic assignment module of SATURN was used to identify the volume of traffic that could be accommodated by the road network and the residual unmet demand under a range of strategy options. Economic evaluation required the application of variable matrix consumer surplus techniques. The study showed that park and ride needs to offer a substantial cost advantage to commuters if it is to succeed. Time benefits alone are not enough to effect a significant change in mode. Consequently, the proposed strategy targets long stay commuters through a pricing policy for public off-street parking, restrictions on the provision of on-site parking spaces for new developments and the introduction of CPZs. Other measures include junction improvements at key bottlenecks, additional bus service provision and bus only access through the city centre with associated enhancement of the pedestrian environment. The success of the strategy will depend heavily on the political resolve to implement well-focussed parking restraint and pricing measures and on the continuing close involvement of the public at all stages of strategy development and implementation. (A)
Abstract