Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): An Approach to Traffic Congestion Challenges in Enugu Meteropolis

Abstract

Mobility is a necessity but the consequence is the resultant congestion from increase in traffic volume. At a time the solution was the construction of more transport infrastructures, but in the face of a persistent decrease in land other methods of tackling the ever increasingtransport problems gave birth to systems such as Intelligent Transport Systems. This study attempts to assess the role of Intelligent Transport System in solving the problem of traffic congestion by identifying the existing system of traffic management in Enugu Urban and determining the potential for a more effective traffic management system through intelligent transport systems. Primary sources of data were employed. Using purposive sampling and simply random sampling 400 road users and 122 staff of Enugu State Ministry of Transport were interviewed through well-constructed questionnaires with a return rate of 94.5% and94% respectively. Descriptive statistics were employed. The results were compiled using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that Automated Traffic Signal and Control, Traffic Wardens, Channelization to Road Signs; are the existing systems of traffic management and was found to be ineffective in tackling the challenges of traffic congestion. It was also discovered that the introduction of some forms of Intelligent Transport Systems would go a long way in improving the control and management of traffic. The study therefore recommends the integration of Intelligent Transport Systems for operational efficiencies and inter-jurisdictional coordination benefits that result incomprehensive and improved transport system management.