The application of pedestrianisation and traffic calming to curb vehicle and pedestrian conflict in the Newcastle CBD : a case study of Scott Street.

Abstract

In response to urban society's disenchantment with the automobile and the conflict that has resulted between vehicles and pedestrians, came the development of pedestrian oriented streets. This constitutes a clear shift in priorities to redress the imbalance in the street in favour of pedestrians with respect to motor vehicles, in a process known as pedestrianisation. Much more common, however, was to traffic calm those streets in which motor vehicle access was still needed. This study examines the application of pedestrianisation and traffic calming to the Central Business District (CBD) as a potential solution for mitigating conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. To do this the study evaluates the effectiveness of the Pietermaritzburg (PMB) pedestrianisation and traffic calming plan, by looking at how the area caters/does not cater for the needs of its users (pedestrians and motorists) and tenants. The evaluation also includes obtaining comments from the planners, tenants and prospective users in Newcastle in order to determine whether the objectives achieved in PMB could be made useful in the proposed pedestrianisation and traffic calming plan of the Newcastle CBD. Findings and conclusions from various data collection methods are presented followed by recommendations that are important for the successful implementation of any pedestrianisation and traffic calming scheme.