CHAPTER 4:
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Introduction
This chapter presents the findings obtained from the field assessment of traffic control devices
and safety conditions along the selected corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk,
Peshawar. The results are based on direct observations, visual surveys, traffic behavior analysis,
and evaluation of existing traffic control infrastructure. The purpose of this chapter is to interpret
the condition and effectiveness of current traffic management measures and to identify the key
safety challenges affecting road users.
The chapter is divided into two main sections: Results, which describe the observed conditions
and performance of traffic control devices, and Conclusions, which summarize the overall
findings and implications for road safety and traffic management improvements.
Results and Findings
General Traffic Conditions of the Corridor
The corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk is characterized by:
High traffic volume throughout the day
Mixed traffic composition (cars, buses, motorcycles, rickshaws, pedestrians, and heavy
vehicles)
Frequent congestion, particularly during peak hours
Informal roadside activities affecting traffic flow
The interaction of heterogeneous traffic significantly reduces operational efficiency and
increases conflict points between different road users.
Condition of Traffic Control Devices
Road Signage
The evaluation revealed that road signage along the corridor is inadequate and inconsistently
placed. Key issues include:
Missing regulatory and warning signs at critical junctions
Faded or damaged signboards with reduced visibility
Obstruction of signs due to shops, billboards, or vegetation
Lack of advance directional guidance for unfamiliar drivers
As a result, drivers often rely on personal judgment rather than standardized traffic instructions,
increasing the risk of violations and accidents.
Road Markings
Road surface markings were found to be in poor to moderate condition:
Lane markings are either faded or completely absent in several sections
Pedestrian crossings are not clearly visible or are missing at major intersections
Stop lines and directional arrows are inconsistently applied
Lack of reflective paint reduces night-time visibility
The absence of clear road markings leads to lane indiscipline and chaotic merging behavior.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signal systems are present at limited intersections; however, their effectiveness is
compromised due to:
Irregular functioning or maintenance delays
Poor driver compliance with signal indications
Absence of signals at several high-risk intersections
Power failures or manual override during congestion periods
This results in heavy reliance on informal traffic control by police personnel during peak hours.
Traffic Police and Manual Control
Traffic police presence is observed at major junctions, especially during rush hours. While their
presence helps in temporary congestion management, the system shows limitations:
Dependence on manual control instead of automated systems
Inconsistent enforcement of traffic rules
Driver non-compliance in congested situations
Limited manpower relative to traffic volume
Pedestrian Facilities
Pedestrian infrastructure is significantly underdeveloped:
Lack of dedicated sidewalks in many stretches
Encroachment of pedestrian space by vendors and parked vehicles
Unsafe crossing conditions at intersections
Absence of pedestrian bridges or refuge islands in high-traffic zones
Pedestrians are often forced to share roadway space with vehicles, increasing accident exposure.
Road Safety Observations
The safety assessment identified multiple risk factors:
High frequency of near-miss incidents at intersections
Improper overtaking due to lane unavailability
Mixed traffic speeds causing instability in flow
Poor lighting conditions at night in certain sections
Increased vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists
The corridor demonstrates characteristics of a high-risk urban arterial road with insufficient
traffic calming measures.
Traffic Flow Behavior
Observed traffic behavior indicates:
Lack of lane discipline among drivers
Frequent sudden lane changes
Blocking of intersections during congestion
Unauthorized stopping for passenger pickup/drop-off
Aggressive driving behavior during peak periods
These factors collectively reduce overall corridor capacity and increase travel time variability
Accident Risk Analysis (Based on Observations)
Although detailed crash records were not fully integrated in this study, observational analysis
suggests that accidents or conflict points are more likely at:
Unsignalized intersections
Market zones with high pedestrian activity (Karkhano Market area)
Narrow road segments with roadside encroachments
Areas with poor lighting and missing signage
The most common conflict types include:
Vehicle–vehicle side swipes
Vehicle–pedestrian conflicts
Rear-end collisions in congested zones
Motorcycle-related instability incidents
Effectiveness of Existing Traffic Management System
Overall effectiveness of current traffic control measures is assessed as moderate to poor, due to:
Lack of integration between different control devices
Weak enforcement of traffic rules
Insufficient infrastructure maintenance
Absence of modern traffic management technologies
High dependency on manual intervention
The system appears reactive rather than proactive, addressing congestion only after it occurs
rather than preventing it.
Summary of Key Results
The major findings from the study can be summarized as follows:
Traffic control devices are inadequate, poorly maintained, and inconsistently
implemented
Road markings and signage do not meet required visibility and safety standards
Traffic signals are insufficient and unreliable at several locations
Pedestrian safety infrastructure is highly deficient
Traffic congestion is intensified by mixed traffic flow and encroachments
Road safety risks are elevated due to weak enforcement and driver behavior
Manual traffic control is heavily relied upon, indicating lack of automation
Conclusions
Based on the detailed evaluation of traffic control devices and safety conditions along the
corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. Inadequate Traffic Control Infrastructure
The corridor lacks a well-developed and standardized traffic control system. Existing
devices such as signs, markings, and signals are either insufficient or poorly maintained,
reducing their effectiveness.
2. High Safety Risk Environment
The combination of mixed traffic, pedestrian activity, and weak control measures creates
a high-risk environment for all road users, particularly pedestrians and motorcyclists.
3. Poor Compliance and Enforcement
Even where traffic control devices exist, non-compliance by road users and inconsistent
enforcement by authorities reduce their impact on improving safety and flow.
4. Need for Modern Traffic Management System
The study highlights the need for upgrading from a manual and semi-structured system to
a more modern, technology-driven traffic management approach.
5. Pedestrian Safety is Severely Compromised
Lack of sidewalks, crossings, and safe pedestrian infrastructure is a critical issue
requiring immediate attention.
6. Traffic Congestion is Systemic
Congestion is not only due to traffic volume but also due to poor road design,
encroachments, and ineffective control measures.
Final Remarks
The corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk represents a typical urban traffic
environment where rapid urbanization has outpaced traffic management development. The
findings of this study clearly indicate that improvements in infrastructure, enforcement, and
traffic engineering design are necessary to enhance both safety and efficiency.
A coordinated approach involving engineering solutions, strict enforcement, public awareness,
and modern traffic technologies is essential for sustainable improvement of traffic conditions in
the study area.