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Comprehensive Traffic Calming as a Key Element of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans—Impacts of a Neighbourhood Redesign in Ljutomer

Author

Listed:
  • Mojca Balant

    (Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Marjan Lep

    (The Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

Abstract

Negative impacts of motor vehicle traffic in cities are still increasing despite the objectives that sustainable mobility paradigm put forward almost three decades ago. Measures to reduce them still primarily focus on traffic safety improvements through vehicle speeds and flows reduction (traffic calming). Comprehensive traffic calming, a measure of sustainable urban mobility planning, targets the issue more comprehensively by also addressing changes in travel behaviour and quality of life. Literature covering the effects of measures addressing all listed aspects is scarce. In this paper, we present results of a longitudinal study of a comprehensive traffic calming redesign of a residential neighbourhood in Ljutomer in Slovenia. The following set of indicators was monitored: travel habits of neighbourhood residents, quality of living environment, acceptability of redesign, vehicle flows, speeds and classes, and traffic accidents. Motorized traffic counts, pilot interviews, postal and in-person surveys and public databases on traffic accidents were used to gather data before and after the redesign. All monitored indicators showed positive results. Around a third of residents claim to walk, cycle and socialize more than before the redesign while around two thirds state that the quality of life in the neighbourhood has improved. Vehicle speeds, flows and peak hour flows have notably decreased, and road safety has improved. The results show that the comprehensive traffic calming approach has a broad range of positive effects and contributes to achieving sustainable mobility. Its potential for a wider use in sustainable urban mobility planning practice is substantial.

Suggested Citation

  • Mojca Balant & Marjan Lep, 2020. "Comprehensive Traffic Calming as a Key Element of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans—Impacts of a Neighbourhood Redesign in Ljutomer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:19:p:8143-:d:422989
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Malene Freudendal-Pedersen & Sven Kesselring & Eriketti Servou, 2019. "What is Smart for the Future City? Mobilities and Automation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-21, January.
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    4. Banister, David, 2008. "The sustainable mobility paradigm," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 73-80, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Natalia Distefano & Salvatore Leonardi, 2022. "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Traffic Calming Measures by SPEIR Methodology: Framework and Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-18, June.
    2. Stanisław Majer & Alicja Sołowczuk & Marek Kurnatowski, 2024. "Design of Concrete Block Paving in Home Zone Traffic Circle Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-25, February.
    3. Khan, Abdul Mateen & Tariq, Muhammad Abubakar & Alam, Zeshan & Alaloul, Wesam Salah & Waqar, Ahsan, 2024. "Optimizing energy efficiency through building orientation and building information modelling (BIM) in diverse terrains: A case study in Pakistan," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    4. Irena Pawlyszyn & Halyna Ryzhkova, 2021. "Methodical Aspects of Planning Sustainable Urban Mobility," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 2), pages 344-365.
    5. Branka Trček & Beno Mesarec, 2022. "Pathways to Alternative Transport Mode Choices among University Students and Staff—Commuting to the University of Maribor since 2010," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-19, September.
    6. Radoje Vujadinović & Jelena Šaković Jovanović & Aljaž Plevnik & Luka Mladenovič & Tom Rye, 2021. "Key Challenges in the Status Analysis for the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan in Podgorica, Montenegro," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-28, January.
    7. repec:ers:journl:v:xxiv:y:2021:i:special5:p:344-365 is not listed on IDEAS

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