What is Congestion?
Congestion arises mainly from greater demands on the transport system than it can cope with. Economic growth and prosperity is leading to more journeys, of a greater average length, which result in increased car use together with increased congestion.
There are many definitions of congestion. For LTP2 we have considered a length of road to be congested and when the average speed of traffic is less than 70% of the prevailing speed limit. Using information obtained from vehicles fitted with global positioning devices and local knowledge we have identified specific locations on the highway network where congestion occurs.
To view the section on Congestion from LTP2 follow the link below:
LTP Tackling Congestion (2.2mb pdf)
What are the main objectives?
The main objectives of the LTP2 for tackling congestion aim to:
- Reduce delays to the movement of people and goods
- Encourage more journeys by public transport, walking and cycling
- Make better use of existing highway capacity
- Reduce the demand for travel by car
To achieve this the LTP2 has set out seven elements to its strategy for tackling congestion which are to:
C1 Encourage modal switch to public transport (30kb pdf)
C2 Manage the demand for travel (30kb pdf)
C3 Make the best use of existing capacity (16kb pdf)
C4 Improve the highway network (15kb pdf)
C5 Encourage more cycling and walking (25kb pdf)
C6 Promote Smarter Choices in travel (23kb pdf)
C7 Promote sustainable land use planning policies and practices (22kb pdf)
The main body of work done on congestion is delivered through the Urban Congestion Target Delivery Plan. This document was updated in February 2010. Further details can be found in the related links below:
Congestion Target Delivery Plan
