EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE SOCIO - ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN KANO METROPOLIS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigates the socio-economic effects, causes and possible solutions of traffic congestion in Kano metropolis. Primary data were obtained through administration of three hundred and eighty four (384) structured questionnaires to a random, purposefully and systematic sampling size of population in the areas of high traffic congestion. The population comprises of drivers (Private and Commercial), passengers/commuters, pedestrians, traffic officers, students, civil servants and businessmen/women. The result of the study shows that inadequate road capacity, road network, poor traffic management, bad driving habit and impatient of road users are causes of traffic congestion in Kano Metropolis. Others are: indiscriminate parking, presence of heavy trucks and inadequate road furniture. Effects of road congestion from the study are waste of time, delay movement, lateness to office, business places/appointments, meeting and school, stress/fatigue, crash, and inability to forecast travel of time, fuel consumption, road rage, relocation/change of route, night driving, and environmental pollution. It also further shows that majority of the residents use road and therefore encounter traffic congestion at the major routes, social and commercial parts of the city which has effects on their socio-economic activities. To find a way forwards; the study therefore recommends strong legislation with severe sanction for traffic defaulters, there must be provision for adequate parking space, enlarging the width of the roads to dual carriages, rehabilitate and restructure roads, public enlightenment, traffic education, hack down all illegal buildings/shops built on the right of way (ROW), create a separate/alternative routes for trucks and heavy vehicles, provision of positive guidance in work zones, provision of pedestrian facilities and ban all form of road trading/hawking.