An analysis of physical planning perspective of the implications of traffic congestion in the central area of Osogbo

Abstract

This study analyzes the physical planning perspective of the implication of traffic congestion in the central area of Osogbo to investigate the socio-economic lifestyle of commuters and Identify the implication of traffic congestion within the study area. The study annexed both primary and secondary sources for data collection. The study adopts a 3% sampling study out of the total traffic count of 19745 respondents that ply the road; this therefore amounted to 364 respondents from the 7 selected junctions in the area. The results of the finding show that the population growth, lack of road infrastructure and parking facilities are physical planning perspectives on the implication of traffic congestion in the study area. The result also shows that the socio-economic status of respondents influences the condition of traffic congestion. The study concludes and makes recommendations such as the need for public enlightenment / regular education of road users in the study area on the need to use traffic control devices, the need to decongest activities in the central area of Osogbo to reduce the number of travel to the area, construction of proper and consistent bus terminals which are not too far apart within the city, enforcing the use of alternate routes to minimize the number of traffic within the city centre during the peak hour of the day. The study recommends the provision of a parking plaza strategically within the area to curb the problem of on-street parking.

Keywords: Central area, congestion, implication, physical planning and perceptive.