Analysis Of Intra Urban Traffic Problems In Rivers State: A Study Of Port Harcourt Metropolis

Analysis Of Intra Urban Traffic Problems In Rivers State: A Study Of Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

This study was on analysis of Intra Urban traffic problems in Rivers state: A study of Port Harcourt Metropolis.  The total population for the study is 200 staff of federal road safety in Rivers state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made marshal inspector, rout commander, assistant rout commander and junior officers were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies.

Chapter one

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

Cities and traffic congestion have developed hand-in-hand since the earliest large human settlements and the same forces that draw inhabitants to congregate in large urban areas, also lead to sometimes-intolerable levels of traffic congestion on urban streets and thoroughfares (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, (OECD) 2007). Traffic congestion in cities has been an issue since the beginning of the 20th century and it continues to be one of the most persistent problems facing road users and urban planners, across the world. According to Engwitch (1992), “Global Traffic Volume (GTV) would double between 1990 and year 2020 and again by 2050.” This type of growth pattern, as envisaged by the end of year 2020 and 2050, is an indication of what the future of traffic congestion  would  signify  for  people  living  in  urban  centres.  Throughout  the  world  in  both  large  and  small communities, traffic congestion is getting worse and thus, causing inconvenience to intra-city work trip makers. Subsequently, the result of this traffic congestion is increasing cost and loss of work hours (Atubi, 2008). One of the key characteristics of transportation problems in Nigeria has been identified as traffic congestion; virtually all state capital cities in Nigeria today face the problem of traffic congestion (Moses, 2011). The case of the Portharcourt metropolis is similar, where elongated traffic jams are observed in many parts of the city and it appears that the road traffic management strategies and officials are incapable of solving it. The salient point here is that ways of mitigating this mobility problem and ensuring a smooth flow of urban traffic have been carried out in different studies as exemplified by the work of urban transport scholars, some identified the causes and dimensions of traffic problems  (Aderamo, 1990 & Bello, 1993) some examined solutions to transport problems (Ogunsanya, 1987;  Omiunu,  1988;  Bolade,  1989  &  Ameyan,  1996)  while  others  examined  traffic  management  strategies (Ukpata & Etika, 2012, Olaogbebikan et al., 2013). However, these conventional approaches to traffic management adopted by previous studies such as one way, odd and even numbers, flyovers, construction of new routes, use of para-mass transit, park and ride system, etc. have not been able to eradicate traffic congestions in Rivers state particularly Portharcourt.  Therefore, an in-depth evaluation of the congestion situation and a thorough road network analysis would be highly beneficial in  understanding  the problem and proffering solutions to it.

Statement of the problem

Problem of traffic 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. In spite of the vast studies and applied measures to reduce these jams, the problem seems to be growing stronger on daily basis. Based on this the researcher wants to investigate or analyzed the factors responsible for traffic congestion on the road corridor of portharcourt.

Objective of the study

The objectives of the study are;

1. To ascertain the problem cause by traffic congestion in portharcourt metropolis
2. To ascertain the causes of traffic congestion in portharcourt metropolis
3. To ascertain the intra Urban traffic problems in portharcourt
4. To suggest a solution to intra urban traffic problems in portharcourt metropolis

Research hypotheses

the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H₀: there are no problem causes by traffic congestion in portharcourt metropolis

H₁: there are problem causes by traffic congestion in portharcourt metropolis

H₀²: there is no solution to intra urban traffic problems in portharcourt metropolis

H₂: there is solution to intra urban traffic problems in portharcourt metropolis

Significance of the study

This study will be very significant to students and the policy makers. The study will give a clear insight on the intra urban traffic problems in Rivers state. The study will suggest what to be done that will bring a lasting solution to traffic congestion in Rivers state. The study will also serve as a reference to other researchers that will embark on the related topic.

Scope and limitation of the study

The scope of the study covers Analysis of Intra Urban traffic problems in Rivers state: A study of Port Harcourt Metropolis. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) FINANCE: There is no enough finance to source for the materials, thereby limiting the study

Definition of terms 

Intra urban: intraurban (not comparable) Within an urban area. Intraurban commuting would be helped by mass transit but interurban commuting less so.

Traffic: Traffic on roads consists of road users including pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars, buses and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel.

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