INTEGRATED TOWN PLANNING AND TRAFFIC POLICY IN GRONINGEN

The restriction of unnecessary car traffic such as commuter traffic is considered essential to the ecomonic functioning of Groningen and the result is a variety of open spaces used for a multitude of purposes. Details are given of the planning and transport policies which have led to Groningen having 15% higher cycle use and 15% lower car use than other cities. Planning policy is directed towards a compact city with short distances between residential areas, places of work and public facilities. A large number of special facilities for bicycles have been created and developments offering new employment are concentrated on existing public transport routes. Car traffic is restricted to certain routes and park and ride facilities provided. The traffic circulation plan means that public transport and bicycles can travel from one zone to another but cars cannot. For the covering abstract see IRRD 877091.