Spatial-temporal modelling of road traffic accidents in Christchurch, New Zealand: a policy evaluation
Project
2005-2007
Funding: $100,000
This project considers the development of innovative spatial analysis methods and applies them to the topical issue of road traffic accidents in Christchurch. We aim to examine spatial and temporal trends in road traffic accidents, and to assess the success, or otherwise, of road traffic accident reduction policy initiatives. These measures include both engineering solutions (eg. traffic calming) and social interventions (eg. encouraging ride-share, greater bus use). The methods developed and results obtained will have wider global applicability.
Spatial modelling techniques developed by the principle investigator will be extended and applied to data supplied in-kind by the Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) to create surfaces, or GIS maps depicting density of road accidents, at a variety of spatial scales, from specific road intersections to larger-scale neighbourhoods. These statistical surfaces can be created for accidents by location, time, or transport type and compared with predicted accident rates derived from simulated road traffic flows, using data supplied by Christchurch City Council (CCC) together with population data from the NZ population census. Crucially, we will be able to test the impact of implemented solutions by testing before and after scenarios.
Staff involved
- Assoc. Prof Alan Nicholson (Civil Engineering)
- Dr Simon Kingham
- Phil Bartie (Research Associate)