Question v: roads in urban areas, Australia

The report discusses some aspects of transport policy and the planning of urban roads. General urban transport policies that are discussed relate to the provision of new urban roads, the introduction of restrictions on through traffic in local areas, and new techniques for improved enforcement. Some information on economic aspects, including experience in the economic benefit of road improvements, the balance between long and short term road building and improvement projects on existing roads, and the effects of limited finance and budgetary restrictions on road building programs and road designs is included. Reference is also made to public participation, to evaluation techniques for urban road proposals and to truck restrictions in local areas. Environmental and safety aspects, traffic forecasting and statistics are important considerations with respect to urban roads in Australia. The present position regarding traffic noise amelioration measures, air pollution considerations and environmental impact studies are outlined. Measures recently adopted to improve road safety, and current developments in traffic forecasting and in road data banks are mentioned. With respect to the design and construction of urban roads, aspects covered in the report include provision for cyclists, the design of junctions and developments in road pavement surfacings. Some recent developments in the management and operation of urban roads, including aspects of traffic management, the application of electronics to roads, pedestrian areas and one aspect of the management of maintenance are also reported.