STRESS FOR PEOPLE

A number of OECD countries are experimenting with various ways to limit the number of vehicles crowding into downtown areas. The factors contributing to the success of a car-free area are analysed on actual cases. Experience proves that such bans on general traffic definitely improve the quality of the environment and dramatically reduces pollution. Usually welcome by the pedestrians, they are commercially successful. Buses and taxis may be allowed if the concerned area is large enough. Their efficiency is than very much increased. Problems come from the cost of the program (park and drive services, special vehicles), some accessibility difficulties (deliveries, transportation of heavy items), and uncertainty about the long-term influence on the use, of land and the character of the area.

• Corporate Authors:

  Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

  2, rue André Pascal
  Paris,   France  75775 Paris Cedex 16
• Publication Date: 1974

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 125 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Central business districts; Environmental impacts; Foreign; Land use; Pedestrian areas; Pedestrians; Pollution; Research projects; Traffic congestion; Traffic restraint; Urban areas
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Public Transportation; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00072118
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transportation Systems Center
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 2 1981 12:00AM