TRIP GENERATION AND MODAL SPLIT OF SHOPPING TRIPS

Since 1967 a large increase has occurred in the mumber of purpose-built shopping centres in France. At present there are 260 shopping centres with sales area greater than 2500m2. These new shopping centres are of three main types: hypermarkets; regional shopping-centres; town-centre shopping centres. Hypermarkets and regional shopping centres are located in the subures of large towns. Pressure from central government since 1973 has resulted in an increase in town-centre shopping centres. The principal characteristic of suburban shopping centres, both regional and hypermarket, is their almost total dependence on the private car as a means of access. Preferred sites are those located adjacent to, and easily visible from a main highway. The number of trips generated and thus the parking requirements of the suburban centres are very different. Although the hourly and daily distribution of trips are very similar, the hypermarket will generate 50-65 trip/m2 of sales area, while the regional shopping centre generates only 25-33 trip/m2. Results from surveys obtained in town shopping centres however, indicate that a detailed study of modal choice should be undertaken before planning the number of parking spaces required, since trips made by modes other than private car may be as much as 75% of the total number. /TRRL/