Traffic congestion is easily one of the biggest challenges for urban mobility. In Australia, this problem is set to cost $39.8 billion by 2031. It’s a nightmare for commuters, businesses, and the environment.
However, there’s a solution. Transport And Traffic Planning Associates (TTPA) is Australia’s leading boutique consultancy for all things traffic engineering and transport planning. We’re here to help developers, architects, local governments, and Transport for NSW deal with the complexities of modern urban mobility.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how sustainable transport can reduce congestion and create a greener, more efficient future for all.
The Growing Demand for Sustainable Transport in Urban Development
As cities expand and environmental regulations tighten, the need for greener and more efficient transport solutions becomes urgent.
Traffic congestion, air pollution, and severe climate change are a few of the most pressing issues. In fact, transportation accounts for 25% of global CO2 emissions, with road transport alone responsible for 75% of these emissions. However, they can be addressed through sustainable strategies like public transport integration or bicycle infrastructure.
These sustainable mobility solutions are relevant to a wide range of industries. For instance, robust public transport solutions in urban developments can reduce the number of vehicles on the road by up to two-thirds. Meanwhile, residential areas with sustainable transport options have less traffic noise and better air quality.
Key Sustainable Transport Solutions for Urban Mobility
Here are a few sustainable transport solutions developers and local governments can consider for urban mobility.
Public Transport Integration
Seamless integration between new developments and existing or planned public transport systems is the first step in sustainable urban mobility. That means incorporating transit hubs or stations into development plans, which can increase property value and appeal to eco-conscious investors.
With convenient access to public transportation, the public will not have to rely on private vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable city.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure
Creating walkable neighbourhoods and dedicated cycling lanes can also encourage green mobility.
Increased bicycle-friendly zones could save an estimated 6 to 14 million tons of CO2 annually, as cycling produces zero direct emissions. Meanwhile, traditional vehicles emit about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year.
These features can also reduce traffic congestion and give people a chance to increase their physical activity, which can be low in car-centric cities.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure
Developers should also consider building more electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. EVs emit around 60 g/km of CO2 compared to 130 g/km for the cleanest petrol engines. That even includes emissions from electricity generation.
The Role of Traffic Engineering in Sustainable Transport
Now, here’s the question: how do you implement these sustainable transport solutions? It all starts with traffic engineering, which plays the role of:
Traffic Impact Assessment
When executed incorrectly, development projects can actually have a negative impact on local traffic flow and congestion levels. That’s why traffic impact assessments (TIAs) are important.
They help traffic engineers evaluate how much traffic the new developments will generate and how they reduce it. Conducting TIAs also allows developers to make sure their projects are in line with the local government’s transport planning guidelines.
Planning Proposal/Rezoning Investigation
Planning proposals help assess how compatible the new developments are with the local government’s current sustainability initiatives and transport planning rules. If changes need to be made, you’ll need to begin a rezoning investigation. In Australia, the average time for amendments to Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) is currently around 620 days.
Traffic Modelling
Traffic modelling is the process of simulating traffic patterns to predict the effectiveness of sustainable transport solutions. The three main types of traffic models include:
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- Microscopic models which focus on individual vehicle behaviour and interactions.
- Macroscopic models, which focus on aggregated traffic flow characteristics.
- Hybrid models
These traffic models allow developers to see how their proposed changes will affect the traffic flow and congestion of the current infrastructure. For instance, new public transport routes or cycling lanes can have a huge impact on the traffic flow.
Specialised Services for Sustainable Development Projects
If you’re a developer or architect looking to start a sustainable development project in Australia, consider working with TTPA. Our services cover:
- Driveways, Carpark, and Loading Dock Assessment and Certification: We’ll ensure the current vehicle access points, parking facilities, and loading docks are designed to meet green mobility standards.
- Vehicle-Swept Path Analysis: For high-rise residential or commercial projects, a vehicle-swept path analysis in tight urban spaces. It’ll help us design parking areas that maximise space usage without traffic congestion.
- Pre-Acquisition Due Diligence Assessment: Before acquiring a development site, we’ll assess potential traffic-related challenges and opportunities in the area.
- Construction Traffic Management Plans: During the construction phase, we’ll create traffic management plans to minimise disruption to local traffic.
- Traffic Control Plans and Traffic Signal Design: Lastly, we’ll design traffic control and signalling systems to allow for smooth vehicle and pedestrian flow during both development and post-construction.
Enhancing Development Projects with Sustainable Transport
The lack of sustainable and accessible transport has a negative impact on everyone in the area, especially vulnerable populations.
For instance, people with disabilities use public transport 33% less than the general population and rely on taxis six times more frequently. On average, this causes them to spend 40% of their salary on taxi services. This is mainly due to the inaccessible nature of urban public transport, which lacks ramps, audio/visual announcements, and other helpful features.
In commercial and hotel projects, sustainable transport can also increase the area’s attractiveness to tenants and visitors. The availability of convenient and eco-friendly transport makes any location more desirable and sustainable.
Education and subdivision developments can benefit from walkable and bike-friendly communities since they reduce congestion around schools.
Partnering with Experts: How We Can Help
At TTPA, we understand that every development project is unique. That’s why our experienced team of traffic engineers doesn’t offer off-the-shelf solutions. We take the time to understand your specific needs and goals and then create evidence-based strategies that work for you.
From the initial traffic impact assessment to designing and certifying traffic signals, we handle all aspects of traffic engineering. This way, we can make sure your development aligns with the area’s sustainable transport goals without any last-minute hiccups.
Plus, our team has the expertise to act as expert witnesses in Land & Environmental Court matters, so you’ll have all the support you need if any legal issues arise.
Sustainable and accessible transport is the dream of many urban developers, architects, and local governments in Australia. With TTPA, this dream can be a reality. We’re experts in providing traffic engineering and transport planning advice for sustainable urban mobility.
Get in touch today to start planning!
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