An account is given of Environmental Traffic Management as carried out in Germany. The size of the car population and accompanying accident statistics are first described. Consensus has emerged on measures to be taken to solve these problems and these include a 30 km/h speed limit in residential areas, 50 km/h speed limit on main streets in towns, reduction of street capacity for cars in favour of bus, rail, pedestrians and cyclists, elimination of short term parking in cities, improvements to pedestrian, cyclist and public transport facilities and penalties for exhaust emissions. Details are given of traffic calming measures for various types of streets and the results of studies given showing the benefits. A trend towards integrated traffic and transport planning is also identified in Germany. The author concludes that the results are impressive. The problem of growth in car ownership continues however and the two trends are seen as incompatible. Under the influence of the Greens there are plans to calm the whole central area of Frankfurt. If this can be achieved it will be a major breakthrough in denting the dominance of the car.
Abstract