Assessing Urban Planning Schemes by means of Multi-criteria Evaluation Techniques: The Case of Pedestrianisation

Abstract

The introduction of pedestrianisation has led to many environmental and economic benefits particularly in town centres. However, decision-makers have often been faced with the complex task of selecting a most preferable scheme that balances the conflicting objectives associated with this type of planning measure. To assist decision-makers in this process, an international study of some 30 pedestrian-oriented schemes was carried out which examined the impacts of these schemes upon selected attributes and the importance attached to these attributes by various individuals. This information was used within a series of formal evaluation techniques that have been applied to urban planning initiatives, to see how suitable they were for assisting in the selection of pedestrianisation schemes. The results demonstrated the need to exercise caution in the use of particular forms of evaluation techniques, and suggest that there is value in using a number of techniques to overcome method uncertainty and provide decision-makers with more reliable results. The results indicate that the techniques are applicable to a range of urban planning issues.