Analysis of Impacts of Non-Standardized Traffic Calming Devices under Local Conditions of Pakistan and Suggest Suitable Measures for Traffic Calming (A Case Study of Lahore)

Abstract

The objective of this research project is to examine the issues regarding installation of traffic calming devices in city of Lahore. The problem is that no comprehensive analysis of the impacts of the traffic calming devices had been done previously. Without this data, it is very hard to establish any guideline or suitable measures regarding installation of calming devices. The research project was done to answer three research questions: 1) What are the current practices of traffic calming devices in the city of Lahore? 2) What guidelines and standard exist in the city for installation of these devices? 3) What are the suitable measures for the execution of traffic calming devices? The information obtained from literature review of current information is utilized to compare relevance and application to current Lahore city practices. I did field surveys and questionnaire surveys in Lahore city in order to evaluate the current condition of traffic calming devices and to know the perception of general public about devices suitability, quality and their agreement. I also conducted survey of all Rescue 1122 stations of city. I went to different agencies which look after it and met with different officials to inquire about the design and maintenance of calming devices. The major findings of this research are: 1) A lot of variations are found in the implementation. Traffic calming devices are not constructed according to standard dimensions. 2) Regulations regarding design, construction and installation of traffic calming devices are established at the local level. 3) Suitable measures are suggested for the installation of traffic calming devices. The lesson is learned from Lahore City that it is imperative for the government to provide guidelines, standards and policy for the selection of proper placement, dimensions and installation of traffic calming devices. Key Words: Traffic calming devices, Speed hump, Speed bump, Speed table, Steel studs, Developing countries, guidelines, survey Abbreviations: TCD: Traffic calming device