Policies for pedestrian access : multi-modal trade-off analysis using micro-simulation techniques

The key scientific contribution of the research described in this dissertation is the development of an optimisation framework that incorporates pedestrians in urban traffic management systems. The research is based on the principle that the overall travel cost should be minimised for all the users of the traffic network including pedestrians and vehicle occupants. This framework is an improvement on existing traffic management systems which have traditionally been designed to result in minimum travel time for vehicular traffic limiting pedestrian considerations to safety issues only. Overlooking pedestrian travel costs can result in a design that is suboptimal for society, especially if pedestrians comprise a considerable proportion of all the network users. Traffic management systems focussed only on vehicle flows can also inhibit efforts to promote walking. The dissertation examines in detail the evolution of pedestrian policies in Britain in an attempt to determine the underlying principles behind the pedestrian control measures that exist today. Various pedestrian street crossing policies are then studied in detail using micro-simulation methods to analyse the effects of these polices on pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The micro-simulation model employed is VISSIM which is used for its more flexible pedestrian modelling capabilities. The base data on various traffic parameters, for this work, was collected at Marylebone Road in London. A cost analysis is performed based on relative values of time for various signalisation policies and for different levels of vehicle and pedestrian flows. In addition, an analysis of pedestrian exposure to vehicle emissions is undertaken that employees an integrated use of micro-simulation, modal emissions and air quality models to study the effects of approaches used to improve traffic flow of pedestrians. The results are discussed for their policy implications for the design of signalised networks in areas of high pedestrian activity and how changes can lead to more optimal outcomes.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceRees Jeffreys Road FundGBUnited Kingdo