ABSTRACTS

Maria Attard, GIS Laboratory, Library Basement, University of Malta.
Tel: +356 3290 2147, Fax: +356 343397,
E-mail: mbona@gis.um.edu.mt

John A. Schembri, Geography Division, Mediterranean Institute, University of Malta.
Tel: +356 3290 2292, Fax: +356 335450,
E-mail: jsch1@um.edu.mt

Paper presented at the Seminar on Atmospheric Pollution, organised by the Physics Department, University of Malta and held at the Mgarr Hotel, Gozo on the 9th of April 1999.
 

ABSTRACT

Congestion occurs in all cities around the world, no matter how advanced their provisions and what long-term projections are made. The urban environments are heavily effected by transport, being it for personal use or for the movement of goods. Maltaís town centres are not spared this problem. The high number of vehicles that flow each day through their centres reflects the ever-increasing impact, which these are having on the urban environment.

This paper is based on the results of an on-going research project and present sets of data relating to the vehicular movements, which occur during peak hours in selected centres around the island. Data relating to traffic volumes, pedestrian activity and noise levels were collected and analysed to assess which towns are mostly affected by congestion and pollution. Environmental issues are described in relation to urban areas and several side effects of transport are discussed. The impact of transport conflicts with other social activities within the centre and the relationships between different factors is clearly marked.