ABSTRACT
Transportation and traffic problems particularly, traffic
congestion, delays, parking space difficulties, environmental pollution which
started to manifest in Lagos since the early 1980's have continued to increase
at an alarming rate and have now reached an abominable stage in recent years.
It is pertinent to highlight the relevance of creek road in Apapa. Any traffic
hindrance on it will definitely generate a lot of hiccups in the logistics
business that is the core activity on this road. The aim of this study is to
critically evaluate accessibility to Lagos port. The objectives are to:
determine the traffic characteristics; traffic congestion; and determine the
points of conflicts in Apapa, carry out traffic counts and determine its flow
along these intersections. Propose alternative modal choice at relieving the
traffic madness in and out of Apapa. The study has found that the rise in
vehicular activities owing to the population increase and economic activity,
there has been overdependence on the seaports for delivery of cargo and the
availability of oil tank farms also affects the level of service provided by
the road and its intersections. Therefore, the study has found out that there
is a need to increase capacity of the roads and its intersection. Then, the
study concluded that based on its findings, the authorities need to put the
roads in good conditions for its efficiency. The government should step up
their related regulatory roles of the port logistics business, provide and
sensitize the usage of alternatives to road movement of cargoes. The use of
rail and higher vessels for moving containers to both off-dock terminals and
across the cities should be encouraged. Rail form of transportation should be
encouraged as a means of accessing the ports
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgment
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Plates
List of Figures
Maps
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study
1.2
Statement of the Problem
1.3
Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.4
Scope of the Study
1.5
Significance of Study
1.6
limitations of study
1.7
Study Area
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
2.1
Introduction
2.2
Urban Traffic Flow Characteristics
2.2.1
The Urban Road Network
2.2.2
Intersections
2.2.3
Road Interchange
2.2.4
Coordination of Traffic Lights
2.2.5
Giving Priority to Public Transport
2.2.6
Pedestrian Right of Way
2.3
Conceptual Framework
2.3.1
Causes and Impact of Traffic Congestion in Urban Areas
2.3.2
Recurrent congestion
2.3.3
Non-recurrent congestion
2.3.4
Impacts/Costs of Congestion
2.3.5
Congestion Impact on Energy/ Fuel Consumption
2.3.6
Congestion Impact on Physical Health
2.3.7
Psycho-Social Impact of Congestion
2.3.8
Measures of Controlling Congestion
2.3.9
Demand Initiatives
2.4
Road Safety Education
2.4.1
Parking Restrictions
2.4.2
Road Pricing
2.4.3
Staggering of Trips
2.4.4
Restrictions of Vehicle Use
2.4.5
Flextime
2.4.6
Access Management
2.4.7
Speed Reductions
2.4.8
Traffic Calming and Roundabouts
2.4.9
Supply Initiatives
2.5
Road Traffic Regulation
2.5.1
Nigeria Police Force
2.5.2
State Level Administration
2.5.3
Local Government Level Administration
2.5.4
Definition of Terms
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1
Research Design
3.2
Source of Data
3.2.1
Primary Data Source
3.2.2
Secondary Source Data
3.3
Techniques for Data Collection
3.4
Instrument for Data Analysis
3.5
Validity and Reliability
3.6
Data Collection Instrument
3.7
Procedure for Processing & Analyzing Data
3.8.
Procedure for Processing Questionnaire Data
3.8.1
Questionnaire Design
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 PRESENTATION AND
ANALYSIS OF RESULT
4.1
Road Traffic, Regulation Enforcement and Patrol
4.1.1
Road Traffic, Regulation Enforcement and Patrol
4.1.2
General Assessment of the Enforcement Duty
4.1.3
Problem Encounter in Enforcement
4.1.4
Impact of Patrol on Drivers
4.1.5
Level of Coordination with Other Law Enforcement Agencies
4.1.6
Road Traffic and Vehicle Inspection Process Facilities and Certification
4.1.7
Condition of Lagos State Vehicles (danfo buses)
4.1.8
Regulatory of the Patrol
4.1.9
Road traffic officers and driving tests
4.1.10
Drivers Failure in Driving Test
4.2
Road Infrastructures
4.2.1
Warehouse Road
4.2.2
Wharf Road
4.3
Traffic Count Funsho Willams/ Marine Bridge to Apapa Port
4.4
Traffic Count from Apapa Port to Funsho Williams Avenue/Marine Bridge
4.5
Traffic Count from Creek Road to Commercial Road
4.6
Traffic Count from Commercial Road to Creek Road
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY,
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1
Summary
5.2
Conclusion
5.3
Recommendation
References
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1 Knowledge of VIO and LASTMA Regulation
of Patrol
Table 4.2 General Assessment of the Enforcement
Duty
Table 4.3 Problem Encountered in Enforcement
Table 4.4 Impact of Patrol on Drivers
Table 4.5 Level of Coordination with other Law
Enforcement Agencies
Table 4.6 Knowledge of Vehicle Inspection Schemes
Table 4.7 Condition of Lagos State Vehicle
Table 4.8 Regulatory of the Patrol
Table 4.9 Method of Obtaining Driver License
Table 4.10 Drivers Failure in Driving Test (FRSC)
Table 4.2.1 Road infrastructure along Warehouse Road
Table 4.2.2 Road infrastructures along Wharf Road
Table 4.2.3 Day 1
Table 4.2.4 Traffic Count: Funsho Williams/Marine
Bridge to Apapa Port
Table 4.2.5 Day 2
Table 4.2.6 Traffic count from Apapa port to Funsho
Williams/Marine Bridge
Table 4.2.7 Day 3
Table 4.2.8 Traffic count from Creek Road to
Commercial Road
Table 4.2.9 Day 4
Table 4.2.10 Traffic count from Commercial Road to Creek
road
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1: Road Intersection at Flour Mill
Nigeria, Wharf Road, Apapa
Plate 2: Traffic Congestion along Liverpool
Road
Plate 3: Traffic Congestion along Marine
Bridge
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig 1: Knowledge of Regulatory Agencies
Fig 2: Level of Awareness
Fig 3: Problem Encountered in Enforcement
Fig 4: Impact of Patrol on Drivers
Fig 5: Drivers' Knowledge about VIO Scheme
MAPS
Map 1: Lagos showing the Apapa area of
Lagos state
Map 2: showing Apapa Local Government and
Port Locations
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the
Study
It is pertinent to highlight the relevance of creek road in Apapa.
Any traffic hindrance on it will definitely generate a lot of hiccups in the
logistics business that is the core activity on this road.
Creek road is the major road that leads from the premier Apapa
port (Wharf) all the way to link one of the country's international airports
(Murtala Muhammad airport, Ikeja); which is several kilometres away from each
other
This road is one of the roads that yields quantum amount of
revenue to the financial cover of the federal government of Nigeria. In terms
of interconnectivity, it links Tin Can Island Port, Conmaldi and some other
container ports and oil farm depots are located along the route. The perpetual
and incessant traffic congestion caused by heavy duty shipments on it’s on it
has really affected activities as turnaround in doing businesses on this
corridor elongated more than necessary.
Several efforts in the past and recent times have been made in
finding lasting solution to this traffic menace, but yielded no desirable
results. Most of the government efforts at resolving this issue have always
been sort of Fire Brigade Approach. There is urgent need for alternate routes
and modes of travel in and out of the port.
Multi-modal transport system is required. It is quite obvious that
traffic congestion is the largest hindrance to the success of
transportation/logistics business most especially in this part of the world.
Its impact can never be under-estimated as every country is devising
methodologies and techniques in combating this traffic menace.
Road traffic in and out of sea port complexes become more crowded
and less safe everyday in Lagos, Nigeria. In the past, road transportation was
not a very big problem due to the small number of vehicles that were on our
roads. During the last years, since the number of vehicles (automobiles and
Road vehicles) increased, a lot of traffic problems have occurred. Apapa, a
city in Lagos State would be the location and subject of this study due to
extremely high port-related activities in the area.
This increase in vehicular activities has led to congestions and
delays when entering or leaving Apapa, especially during the peak hours and
this has called for the study of alternative transport mode use and
intersections management in the area to know how they are faring in directing
and controlling traffic, especially how those intersection tend to reduce
conflicts along the three major intersections in Apapa - Liverpool Road, Point
Road and Wharf Road. Where two or more roads meet is called an intersection and
this usually presents an opportunity for conflicts among vehicles, because it
is an area designated for the vehicles to turn to different directions to reach
their desired destinations. The main functions of intersections is to guide
vehicles moving in different directions to their respective paths, thereby
improving safety, reducing conflicts, and increasing the flow of traffics.
Intersection safety remains a challenge for intersection designers.
1.2 Statement of the
Problem
Several factors contribute to the traffic menace into and out of
Apapa port complex. These include the lack of holding bays, which is an
unprofessional way of doing shipping business. Many shipping companies in Apapa
area operate their businesses without having personal stemming port/ holding
bays for export shipments. This has become necessary on the same road with the
efforts to return empty containers back to the Apapa Port. Other factor include
the import/export profitability, which is to establish the cost difference
between import and export shipments vis-a-vis its economic impact especially
profitability in most of the Inland container Depots. Against this backdrop,
this research effort will include the causes such as-lack of holding bays for
empty containers, unorganized parks by container trucks before proceeding to
the port for loading and off-loading, effect of oil farms situated along this
corridor, the narrow nature of the road especially in the trucking of heavy
duty shipments, lack of alternative transport mode to road in this area which
have alleviated the current situation for better. On the other hand, the
cumulated effect of this unending traffic congestion is multi-dimensional to
the economic sustainability of logistic business on this corridor.
Underutilization of the Railway system, Lagos Lagoonal System and
pipeline with over-dependence on road, the over-pressurization of road has
brought about the endemic problems on the road itself and associated
infrastructures. The road is characterized by accident, road mishaps, traffic
congestion and robberies etc.
The poor traffic situation arises as a result of the various roles
of Apapa as industrial, commercial, educational, administrative and
transportation centre. Also, the geographic location of the city, the unruly
behaviours of drivers and the sudden rise in car ownership consequent upon
improved standards of living, use of trailers and tankers have all combined to
compound the problem.
This rapid growth in the population of Lagos has exerted
tremendous pressure on the existing deteriorating transport infrastructure in
the study area, due to the fact that Oshodi/ Apapa Expressway is the main
artery in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, it is a major link to many
inlets and outlets within and outside the metropolis.
The road intersections at Apapa were designed about four decades
ago and at the time posed no problems. But the increase in vehicular activities
- heavy duty vehicles and cars, cause great problems because capacity had not
been taken into consideration as at the time of designing those road
intersections, thereby causing great conflicts and delays to motorists. The
increased economic activity in Apapa has caused a tremendous increase in
trucks, cars and pedestrians which in turn creates untold hardships to road
users who have to contend with the same capacity of roads built long ago. This
increase in vehicular activities increases the conflicts at these intersections
thereby causing delays, accidents and loss of man-hours that would have been
used efficiently.
Most businesses in Nigeria depend on the Nigerian seaports for the
supply of their goods and materials and more than 90% of that passes through
Apapa thereby making Apapa a commercial hub for businesses. There is no gain
saying the fact that logistics has a lot to do with time, but the problems
caused by the capacity of intersections to exit vehicles faster in Apapa are
just too much. On a very busy day, it could take a truck up to twelve hours to
drive into Apapa from point Road intersection and another twelve hours to take
delivery and exit through point road intersection or Liverpool.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
of the Study
The aim of this study is to critically analyze the conflicts that
occur within an intersection from the conflict point of view and try to explain
what happens and why at the three intersections at Apapa. In the same vein, the
study will focus on the safety of those intersections, the levels of control
and the capacity of those intersections to control traffic. The aim of this
study is to critically evaluate accessibility to Lagos port. The objectives are
to:
·
determine the traffic
characteristics;
·
traffic congestion; and
·
determine the points of
conflicts in Apapa carry out traffic counts and determine its flow along these
intersections.
·
propose alternative modal
choice at relieving the traffic madness in and out of Apapa.
1.4 Scope of the
Study
The scope of this study is to evaluate the impact of traffic
congestion impacts in Oshodi Apapa Express way, precisely at the axis of Toyota
Junction/Ladipo Auto dealer Market/Airport Road. The research study seeks to
evaluate the traffic congestion within this route, its attendant effects on
road users' enroute Airport Road from Oshodi, Mushin and Apapa and possible
solution to the problem. The scope of this study was limited to this part of
Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos Nigeria, this is as a result of the peculiar
nature and state of the road and the kind of traffic generated on this road on
daily bases. Basically, the study investigated issues arising from the
objectives of the study, that is , the road condition, traffic conflict point,
transportation and road intersection as well as various land use activities and
socio-economic activities present along the corridor in terms of adjoining land
uses that causes delay in traffic flow such as street trading, pedestrian
movement, among others will be assessed, to ensure these activities do not
obstruct the flow of traffic along the corridor any more.
1.5 Significance of
study
The sustenance of a nation's economic growth hinges on unhindered
free flowing, advanced and smart transportation systems.
The study would assist in alleviating the traffic congestion
resulting from the neglect of other transport modes apart from road. This study
would be relevant to city designers and engineers involved in the design of
intersections, in that it would increase knowledge as to what is needed or the
basic factors to be considered when designing intersections. This study will
also increase knowledge to students who are interested in conflict resolution
in Port Areas. The study will also be beneficial to drivers, especially
motorists and pedestrians, to understand the causes of conflicts at
intersection because 95% of those accidents are due to driver error and wrong
perceptions of other road users.
Most importantly, it would be beneficial to business owners and
logistic companies which will enable them carry out their business effectively
and efficiently.
This study is also significant in that all road users would be
equipped with a better understanding of the workings of intersections and this
will go a long way in reducing conflicts and accidents.
1.6 Limitations of
study
This study will concentrate on the causes of accidents and delays
related only to conflicts that happen at the selected intersections and would
not cover other causes of accidents in Apapa. The study will not go beyond the
descriptions of conflicts at intersections in Apapa and the roles it plays in
the movement of traffic.
1.7 Study Area
Lagos state is situated in the South Western Nigeria within
latitude 602' N to 604'N and longitude 2045 E to 4020 E. The state is bounded
form the North and East by Ogun State, in the West by the Republic of Benin and
the south by the Atlantic Ocean. The total land mass of the state stretches
over 3,345 kilometers with an estimated population of about 15 million. Apapa
is the major port of the city of Lagos, Nigeria and is located to the west of
Lagos Island, across Lagos harbor. It also one of Nigeria 774 local government
areas. The study Area covers the distance between wharf Road and Warehouse
Road, with geographical coordinate 6 27 N 3 22 E /6.450 N 3.367 E. the local
government is bounded from the North by marine beach to include mobile offices
and Ijora; while to the South by Atlantic Ocean, East by Lagos
Lagoon, and West by Lagos Lagoon. The total landmass of the local government
stretches over 38.5 kilometer.
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