EFFECT OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES ON INTRA - URBAN TRAFFIC IN THE CORE OF ILESA, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Transportation which is an integral part of the urban system links every sector of the economy. This study focused on the effect of commercial activities on intra – urban traffic in the core of Ilesa, Nigeria, to improve accessibility in the Central Business District. Survey research design method was employed to obtain data from the residents, traders and the commercial drivers at the study area. Data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The Three main roads within the core of the city were identified, manual traffic count was carried out on the roads. Combinations of sampling techniques were used to administer 317 questionnaires to the respondents. Findings revealed that 34.9% of traders engaged in clothing and fashion accessories, 18.1% engaged in foods and drinks, 14.1% engaged in professional services among others. 59.7% of these activities were located on open spaces along the roads, 24.8% in stationary structures, 8.1% on road pavements and mobile traders accounted for 7.4%. Public transportation which accounted for 78.2% was the dominant mode of transportation, followed by motorcycles 62.0% and cars 28.0%, this formed the main component of traffic in the study area. Transportation challenges in the study area include illegal parking which was the most prominent in the area because of non-availabilities of parking facilities, traffic congestion, the conflict between pedestrian and vehicular traffic among others. The use of traffic warden services such as Osun State Traffic Marshal (OTRAM), and Motor Traffic Division (MTD) of the Nigeria police were the major means of controlling traffic in Central Business District (CBD) of the town. This method was not effective as their activities were limited to the roundabout alone and also during rush hour, they could not cope with the traffic volume. In conclusion, the provision of parking facilities, incorporation of sidewalk into the road design, use of automatic traffic control system and compliance of commercial facilities to planning standard among others were recommended for to enhanced traffic system in the core of Ilesa.