Traffic Calming in India: Report on the theory of Traffic Calming and empirical trials in the city of Jaipur

The pedestrian safety problem is huge in all developing countries. The main aims of the project are therefore: 1/To understand pedestrian safety problem in a developing country, 2/To identify feasible traffic calming measures. International experiences were complemented by field studies at seven sites in the city of Jaipur. A wide range of field studies were made, out of which traffic conflict studies were most important. The main conclusion of the studies is that there is an urgent need for Traffic Calming measures in Indian cities. Pedestrians are extremely exposed and vulnerable, and
the speeds are too high to allow a safe and proper communication. One main problem is that road users are not offered any comfortable and safe crossing options e.g. existing pedestrian crossings are
not suited for pedestrians. The conclusion from this is that there is a “chaos” that has to be dealt with. The proposed measures are “standardised Traffic Calming measures”, primarily by introducing
humps at both entrances and exits to intersections and to introduce raised footpaths in all corners to see to it to make the approaches for pedestrians as comfortable and safe as possible by preventing
cars from being able to use that space. Pedestrian crossings are located close to the intersections so that pedestrians do not have to make large detours to use them. The measures that are proposed
are simple which is the whole idea. Without simplicity and low costs there will never be any large scale use. Unfortunately no measures are taken yet in Jaipur, which of course will be next and
very important step. When this is done, and after studies carried out, it is time to decide on studies for studying the validity of the results in other parts of India