This paper concerns attempts to create pedestrian-friendly areas in city centres, with case studies from Germany and Italy. Concepts of pedestrianisation began with shopping malls outside town centres and then pedestrianised areas for shopping and social activities within towns (case studies of this are given for Munich and Nuremberg). Traffic calming measures to integrate cars and pedestrians can be achieved by mixing cars and pedestrians or setting low speed limits. Areawide access management for city centres is described in case studies of Bologna, Italy; Lubeck; and Aachen. Problems include too many exemptions which negate the intent of the measure, and opposition from business and car drivers. The development of pedestrian precincts should be seen as part of the overall development of city centres. The author makes recommendations on reducing car traffic volume, improving public transport and obtaining public and political agreement. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118896.
Samenvatting