Articles

In the realm of traffic engineering, pedestrian safety stands as a critical focus area, especially in metropolitan areas. Recent initiatives underscore the commitment of professionals in the broader sector to enhance safety for pedestrians through targeted measures, technological advancements, and infrastructure enhancements.

In a constrained urban environment with growing construction needs and associated temporary traffic management, ensuring the safety of cyclists is paramount. Cyclists face heightened risks during events or construction that alter road conditions. Prioritising their safety requires specific considerations and proactive measures.

In the face of rapid urbanisation and increasing concerns about environmental sustainability, the integration of traffic engineering principles into urban planning has become paramount. This article explores how traffic engineering not only facilitates efficient transportation but also plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable cities.

Traffic calming refers to a set of deliberate strategies aimed at slowing down vehicle speeds to improve safety for all road users. These measures include physical interventions like speed humps, roundabouts, and narrowed roadways, strategically implemented to create an environment that encourages people to drive slower. The concept of traffic calming plays a pivotal role in shaping safer and more efficient city streets.

Gone are the days when compact cars ruled the streets; today, drivers are gravitating towards larger vehicles. However, as vehicles continue to grow in size, concerns about environmental impact and urban congestion have surfaced.

Construction, roadworks, or other special events require practical and effective traffic control measures to ensure they proceed smoothly with as little impact as possible on the surrounding traffic environment. Designing and then implementing effective control measures within the framework of relevant jurisdictions, codes of practice and guidelines, is key to effective traffic management.

The way cities plan and regulate parking spaces plays a pivotal role in shaping transportation patterns and influencing travel modes. One controversial aspect of urban planning is the implementation of minimum car parking requirements. On the surface, these regulations may seem like a practical solution to address the demand for parking spaces in growing urban areas. However, a closer examination raises questions about their unintended consequences.

Car sharing is a great option for those who cannot afford or need a vehicle infrequently. It is also great for businesses, as they do not need to purchase or maintain a vehicle fleet. Car share initiatives contribute to a reduction in car ownership and travel, encouraging alternatives such as walking, biking, and public transportation for routine trips, while ensuring access to a vehicle for occasional journeys when a car is required.

Australia, with its vast landscapes and sprawling urban centres, is well-suited for sustainable transportation options like bicycling. However, achieving a higher bicycle transport mode share in the country comes with its challenges, with safety concerns topping the list, and as the carbon emissions reduction push continues, the barriers preventing uptake of sustainable transport modes need to be lifted.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have recently appeared in the news with the recent story involving a landmark High Court decision striking down Victoria’s electric vehicle tax. It came after two EV owners took the law to the Court in response to increasing costs. Whilst EV sales and growth have been slow in Australia (and remain below uptake levels in Europe and the global average) it’s not surprising to see more news around EVs as the uptake grows.