TO WHAT EXTENT IS AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL APPROPRIATE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The authors discuss some typical urban transport project elements (major highway schemes, public transport improvements, street improvements, policy measures such as traffic restraint, area traffic control (atc), police and safety, technical assistance, design and supervision, contingencies). Many of these elements tend to be beset with political problems or require extensive discussions before implementation can proceed. On the other hand, area traffic control schemes are relatively straightforward politically, and, although technologically complex, have been shown to give high overall benefits, including energy savings, currently a real issue in many developing countries. Another beneficial aspect is that early implementation can give impetus to the rest of the project. This proved to be the case in recent transport projects in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Cairo. Attention is drawn to the technological complexities of atc operation and maintenance, which should be matched with the level of suitably experienced local staff resources and environmental conditions. (TRRL)