OBSŁUGA TRANSPORTOWA MAŁYCH MIAST

Abstract

The main problem connected with transport in small towns is an efficient passage of the transit route through the town. Road traffic planning is considered to be vital, which in many cases is not possible due to high costs. Another effective solution is calming the traffic along the route through towns, especially in the central areas, with lowering the speed limit to 30-40 kph (exceptionally allowing 50 kph). In this way, a consensus is achieved between the needs of traffic and town’s functioning. In consequence, the status of “priority for the town” is thus given. Ample experience confirms that there is a significant improvement in traffic safety on the main road, including: decrease in the number of deaths, reduction of traffic speed, improvement in the safety of vulnerable road users, improvement in the aesthetics and appearance of public space, improving parking conditions and reducing air pollution. Effects are achieved by reducing the speed and rebuilding of street sections. In the cross-sections of streets, new solutions for pedestrian and bicycle traffic develop the public space, which in this way becomes friendly to residents. Linear infrastructure for bicycles may be limited only to a road with a high car traffic density. The planned road solution must be integrally connected with spatial development. The threshold of road nuisance perceptible on the street in a small town is lower than in medium-sized and large cities. The average annual traffic daily volume should not exceed 5000 vpd. In the aspect of protection of living environment conditions, traffic intensity on small town streets should be by half lower (<2000 vpd), which means a moderate traffic function of the street.