Analysis of Intra-Urban Traffic Problems in Nigeria: A Study of Lagos Metropolis

ABSTRACT Problem of trqffic congestion is common in most big cities of the world. Drivers of privately owned vehicles and passengers may experience substantially loss of time while in traffic jam. Also, solutions to causes of this menace are well documented in the literature. In spite of the vast studies and applied measures to reduce these jams, the problem seems to be growing stronger on daily basis. One of the o~jectives of this study is to examine (l the intensity of traffic congestions are similar along the routes, and on d(fJerent days of the \u27week within the ci~y of Lagos. The paper also examines the traffic pattern along ten selected routes within five metropolitan areas in the state. The study shows that 57% of the commuters and motorists in the study area do spend an average of 30 to 60 minutes in congested traffic. Three peak periods of traffic congestion were recognized. Indiscriminate parking, road side trading, flooding, existence o.fpot-holes on these roads, vehicles breaking down and absence o.f traffic light at some road intersections are some of the identified major causes of traffic congestions. Mondays were recognized as the most congested day by 57% of motorists and commuters interviewed. The analysis o.f variance result shows insign(ficant variation in traffic congestion among the five local government areas. However, the observed spatial and temporal pattern o.l vehicular traffic congestion enabled us to suggest possible measures for the reduction of traffic congestion within the metropolis. Keywords: Urban Commuters, Metropolis, Traffic Congestio