Traffic impact of pedestrianisation in Stellenbosch

Abstract

The applicability of a pedestrianisation scheme in the historic city center of Stellenbosch, in alleviating the currently experienced transportation related problems, is investigated. These problems negatively affect the general health of a community, decrease tourism attraction and therefore also decrease turnover. Pedestrianisation is, therefore, analysed as being a catalyst for a healthy economy, as well as environment. Various factors are identified as having a key influence in the feasibility of such an undertaking. These include the direct traffic flow patterns, parking utilisation in the area, as well as the operational aspect associated therewith. Each of these are analysed according to their vulnerability to change, given the implementation of such a scheme. Parking demand and resulting vehicle movement patterns are investigated using parking utilisation studies as well as license plate analysis data. When considering the operational aspect of such a scheme, alternative entrance and exit control procedures for delivery vehicles are considered. In terms of the traffic flow impact, a traffic microsimulation analysis was conducted using PTV Vissim. Factors such as queue length, delay time and LOS values are considered before and after implementation of the scheme. Pedestrianisation can be a useful tool in bringing positive change to a city center and can be applied to a wide range of traffic scenarios. Considering this study, it was found that the application of such a scheme is possible due to sufficient alternative parking, a manageable operational aspect as well as a reasonable impact in terms of the traffic flow. It is, therefore recommended that pedestrianisation should be implemented in adding value to central Stellenbosch