Transport, mobility and road traffic accidents in Benghazi

Abstract

AbstractAs is the case in most Third World cities, Benghazi's urban growth has outpaced infrastructural development. The unexpected rapid growth has generated many typical urban problems particularly in the area of transportation and road accidents. The increase in vehicular traffic is affecting the entire fabric of urban life as the growing number of private cars begins to overwhelm Benghazi's road system. In 1999 12% of all deaths in Libya were caused by road traffic accidents and in 2000 the cost of road traffic accidents was put at more than 15 million LD. This paper argues that the existing public transport system could be better used through incorporation of small-scale services, like local taxis and minibuses, and new technology where feasible.The author suggests that improvement and development in the transportation sector be devoted entirely to buses and intermediate public carriers because of their complementary nature: buses operate on fixed routes and schedules, while minibuses have the flexibility to reach areas inaccessible by buses. In addition to decreasing demand for parking spaces in the central area, minibuses might further bring about traffic reduction and decreases in congestion, minimising road traffic accidents and thus preventing delays for both private automobiles and bus riders.