Control of drivers' route choice: Pipe dream or panacea?

In most large cities traffic flow is controlled or manipulated in a number of ways. The methods used are mostly negative in the sense that they restrict the driver's choice of alternative routes rather than encourage him to use a particular one. This paper reviews some of the conventional measures and goes on to consider whether a more positive approach to route control might be justified, by inducing a more efficient or acceptable pattern of traffic movement in urban areas. The principal criteria for an efficient pattern are taken to be the total rate of expenditure of vehicle mileage and the frequency of route crossings, and an attempt is made to evaluate the potential benefits of route control in these terms. Social, technical and political considerations suggest that compulsory control will not be feasible for some time (at least, in the UK), but if the benefits to drivers as individuals can be shown to be worthwhile an advisory system might be practicable. Some possible systems are briefly outlined.The author is grateful to the City Engineer of Westminster City Council, Mr A.J. Cryer, for permission to publish this paper,which, however, does not necessarily represent the views . City Council. The author is greatly indebted to E. M. Holroyd for numerous suggestions and advice.