Author(s)

C. Taxiltaris, S. Basbas & M. Miltiadou

Abstract

Within the framework of this paper, the design and evaluation of a comprehensive scheme concerning a variety of traffic management measures, and especially traffic calming measures, like woonerf, 30 km/h zones, bus priority measures, routes for cyclists, interventions at intersections, pedestrian facilities etc., aiming at the improvement of traffic and associated environmental conditions are presented and discussed with reference to the center of the city of Larissa in central Greece. The evaluation of these measures is based on the use of both qualitative and quantitative criteria, which were selected in accordance with the objectives and type of the proposed measures. Examples of such criteria are the geometric characteristics of traffic lanes and sidewalks, the strict use of bus lanes by authorized vehicles, the degree of use of the respective infrastructure by the pedestrians, the parking rules violations, the degree of use of the respective infrastructure by cyclists, speed, the overall perception of the environment as a safe one by the road users etc. The results presented are quite revealing about the effectiveness of traffic calming measures in central areas of medium size Greek cities, but there is a lot to be done yet concerning the research on the evaluation process of such measures.

Keywords