Summary:
This handbook illustrates the concept of traffic evaporation using case studies from a selection of European cities. Many of these cities have gone ahead with road space reallocation schemes despite predictions that traffic chaos would result. However, in each case any initial problems of traffic congestion were short-lived, and after a ‘settling-in’ period a proportion of the traffic was found to have ‘evaporated’.

Favouring more sustainable transport modes is an approach which promotes social inclusion and accessibility for the nearly 30 % of European households which have no access to a private car. Such strategies are also more equitable, for they reduce those negative impacts of urban traffic and congestion which are experienced by everyone, regardless of whether they are able to enjoy the benefits of car use.

The purpose of this handbook is to show that such schemes can be highly successful; they can represent a very positive sustainable planning option for cities. The case studies here demonstrate the importance of well planned integrated strategies, combined with effective public consultation and communication. Above all, however, they show the need for vision and courage on the part of the implementing local authority.

URL: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/streets_people.pdf