Urban congestion takes form in cities in various ways and contributes to many problems to people and the environment. The aim of this blog was to shed light on the different aspects of urban congestion, its contributors, the impacts which result from this congestion and suggestion possible futures for the city and suggestions to alleviate these problems. The picture blog has allowed me to better understand the many issues of urban life with respect to urbanization, growth and development.
Some of my colleagues blogs are able to further expand and touch on 3 of my major topics which generate a significant amount of urban congest and one of the major loses due to this congestion:
The Informal Economy (Stephanie Lalla) : street vendors crowd the road ways, streets, pavements and walk ways in cities, this tends to lead to increased traffic congestion as well as Pollution (Vanessa Boodoo) as they leave garbage and waste along the roads and drains.
With increasing urbanization and expansion of cities we see a loss of green space to accommodate new building and infrastructure and we neglect The Importance of Green Spaces/Parks (Terry-Ann Arjoo)
Friday 11 April 2014
Wednesday 9 April 2014
Increasing Urban Congestion
The issue of urban congestion is one that is continuously on the rise within cities. Urbanization first led to more growth and development which contributed to the initial congestion in the city. Urban growth attract people, business and companies/industries to its CBD, therefore initial congestion has been exacerbated over the years as urban cities grow and expand outward, creating urban sprawl and large urban cities. Cities have become extremely congested with high rise buildings, clustered streets, pollution and a high population density. Urbanization will continue to occur but there needs to be management of this urban growth and development.
Pollution (air, land, water), traffic, loss of green space, crime and violence, rise in cost of living will all continue to increase in cities. The pictures show construction of high rise infrastructure and housing that will eventually attract more people and business into urban areas. We also see the preservation and restoration of building to maintain some history of the urban cities.
Todd Litman executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute proposed Smart Congestion Solutions in 2014
With growing cities much consideration needs to go into the people of the city and the way their lifestyle will also change. The trailer for the inspiring new documentary about urban agriculture in America, GROWING CITIES follows innovators, activists, and everyday city-dwellers who are transforming communities one vacant lot, beehive, and rooftop farm at a time. Along the way, viewers discover urban agriculture is about a whole lot more than simply good food.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlSlkAB8cBo
Saturday 5 April 2014
Homelessness... More and more Vagrants
Homelessness in urban areas is increasing due to the rise in cost of living and unemployment and these people are seen as outcasts in society. The number of vagrants are on the rise as urban congestion increases due to urbanization and economic growth and lack of resources It is more conducive for them to "live" in urban areas as they find shelter easier, many food outlets are around therefore they can search through garbage for food and drinks and are able to "beg" pedestrians for money.
The rise in cost of living, land areas, housing and rent, economic down turn, recession and job lay offs, this leave many people bankrupt, unemployed and homeless. In some case street dwellers maybe mentally unstable, handicapped or substance abusers and are unable to receive medical treatment.
In congested urban areas with heavy economic activities vagrants are seen as a threat as some commit theft and vandalism. They are also a nuisance to pedestrians as vagrants will pester people for money.
In the Article Actions Against Vagrancy Trinidad puts measures in place to deal with and mitigate the issue of homelessness in urban areas.
Vagrancy is prominent in Trinidad, as well as the Caribbean and around the world. The following video gives some statistics on Homelessness in America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TelyWI6oko
Low Income Housing... Squatter Settlement
As seen in previous post, urban congestion is a direct result of urbanization causing decentralization and urban sprawl leading to the development of rich suburbs (gated communities and high rise apartments). Urban congestion also lead to the formation of Squatter Settlement and low income residential housing on the fringes of the city. As growth and development continues the cost of living rises, people lose their jobs, rent and cost of land and houses increase drastically and some are unable to keep up with the increase in the cost of living and are push out of the city. The result is low quality settlement as seen in the following pictures.
These residential housing can be planned, low income, high density, small housing designs eg Beetham or squatter settlement, unplanned and illegal as seen in Sea Lots. Characterized by poor housing infrastructure and lack of basic amenities, these houses are found crammed together with little or no space between them. There are high levels of unemployment and poverty in these areas due to lack of governmental assistance.
These residential housing can be planned, low income, high density, small housing designs eg Beetham or squatter settlement, unplanned and illegal as seen in Sea Lots. Characterized by poor housing infrastructure and lack of basic amenities, these houses are found crammed together with little or no space between them. There are high levels of unemployment and poverty in these areas due to lack of governmental assistance.
Urbanization, poverty and socio-cultural factors are the
drivers of this type of informal settlement. Some people are quite satisfied
with their living conditions as one can find a sense of community and kinship
among residents. Many have labelled a negative stereotype to these places being
associated with crime, violence, drugs, gangs and illegal activity. This type
of negative connotation has led to further segregation, fragmentation and
social exclusion.
The congestion and high population density of these informal settlement causes pollution of the land and water, clearing of trees and lack of green space or personal space and poor road ways, limiting accessibility.
The congestion and high population density of these informal settlement causes pollution of the land and water, clearing of trees and lack of green space or personal space and poor road ways, limiting accessibility.
Report produced by Dr.Kevon Rhiney of the Department of Geology and Geography in the University of the West Indies, Mona, its titled
Housing Challenges in Third World Cities looks at the following issues in urban areas with respect to housing settlements:
- Housing Problems in Third World Countries
- Global Housing Challenges
- Housing the Urban Poor
- Housing Policies and Urban Planning
- Water and Sanitation for Urban Poor
- Types of Low-Income Housing
- Evolution of Squatter Settlement
- Major Sources of Third World Housing
- Solutions
- Housing in the Caribbean
- Government Approaches
- Housing in Trinidad/Jamaica/Programs
- Current Situation
The Rich Suburbs... High Income Housing
A result of urban congestion is the development of gated communities and high rise living apartments and condominiums in the rich suburbs. Residents of these areas are a result of urban sprawl and decentralization in an attempt to seek living accommodations away from the problems of city life example: high population density, traffic, pollution, crime, construction, noise, lack of green space. Those who reside in these gated communities are the more wealthy persons in society living on a high income and able to afford this lifestyle "pay to stay".
Over the years many have developed models to explain the way in which urban areas are designed and land use patterns. The way cities are developed in the 21st century is much different to how it was in the pre-industrial days. Sjoberg, developed a model showing the lay out of pre-industrial cities where the elites ie the most rich and well off in society were found at the heart of the city, the CBD, and the least wealth were found on the suburbs and periphery of the city with clear segregation of classes and ethnicity. However, within the 20th and 21st century new model were proposed that show the change in the city's make up with respect to who belongs where.
Models by Burgess and Hoytt of post industrial cities show the rich now moving away from the city center to the periphery in high income housing areas due to urban sprawl. The poorest of society live closest to the Central Business District (CBD) as they are unable to afford the expensive property and high cost of commuting.
With the increasing numbers moving to gated communities in the suburbs this leads to fragmentation and segregation of society between gated community residents and the public and increased social exclusion. There is also the increase in congestion in the suburbs, these housing areas very expensive and cause a rise in property value of non gated neighbourhood as these residents are forced to become gated to maintain the value of their property eventually leading to a clustered distribution pattern of gated communities.
Gated communities result in the loss of the concept of traditional neigbourhoods, its importance and architecture and is now associated high status and with the connotation of being the modern way of life and living.
ADVANTAGES OF GATED COMMUNITIES:
- Gated communities can be safer from crime.
- There is no through traffic. The neighbourhood is safer for children.
- Homeowners have private and exclusive access to sites.
- Provides the public authorities with wealthy taxpayers, at no cost.
- Property values in large gated communities show a better resistance to market fluctuations.
- The development can assist the social, environmental and economic regeneration of a neglected and run-down inner city district of abandoned factories and decaying homes.
The following animated video explains the pro in a traditional neigbourhood and cons of living in a gated community.
Urban Sprawl... Moving away from the CBD
As further development takes place in urban cities, the Central Business District (CBD) becomes more and more congested and can be seen in Trinidad, the Caribbean and around the world. As more people reside in urban areas and migrate to the cities coupled with more infrastructural development there is decreasing available space. Rapid population and urban growth has led to urban sprawl.
Urban sprawl is defined as the unplanned, uncontrolled growth and outward expansion of urban development to the edges of a city. Urban sprawl is linked to decentralization where residents and some industries prefer a low density living area. This sprawl can be associated with negative connotations of slums and squatters on the city's edges.
These pictures show of Port-of-Spain and the CBD and the direction of movement away from the CBD to areas of slum/squatter residents, low residential planned housing and high rise/high end living accommodations.
Author Richard Peisern explains urban sprawl the article
Decomposing Urban Sprawl:
Urban sprawl has always occurred in cities due to urbanization. The population density at the CBD would be at its highest with increasing development and growth, then a significant decrease in residential settlement as they move to the outskirts (periphery) of the city. Middle and low class more out as well as the wealthy. Some move as they are unable to afford living int he CBD as the price of land an housing and rent goes up, and other move to live in a more environmentally friendly area which cost more but have the benefit of more security, less noise, air, land pollution, more green space and better housing designs.
Though urban sprawl is unplanned, the housing areas are sometimes planned. Gated communities, high rise apartments and condominiums are all planned with income residents in mind and caters to their needs and wants. As many people try to get away from the congestion of the city, there is the need for housing to built sky-wards to reduce the congestion as there isn't enough land available.
There is also low income housing built on the outskirts of the city, which is more compact and crammed with less amenities and lower living standards as high income residential areas. In some instances many are unable to afford these housing and therefore resort to squatting or slum areas. These areas are usually the poorest with dilapidated houses, all of which are cluttered together.
Urban sprawl is a result of urban congestion, but urban sprawl can sometimes lead a new type of congestion just in a different location. In the following blogs to come I shall take a look at slum/squatter areas, low income housing and high end living which all result from urban sprawl.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean: Sustainable Development and Human Settlement Division explore the present condition of Caribbean cities and the proposed and expected future of these cities with the people in mind in the report
Urban Sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean
Urban sprawl is defined as the unplanned, uncontrolled growth and outward expansion of urban development to the edges of a city. Urban sprawl is linked to decentralization where residents and some industries prefer a low density living area. This sprawl can be associated with negative connotations of slums and squatters on the city's edges.
These pictures show of Port-of-Spain and the CBD and the direction of movement away from the CBD to areas of slum/squatter residents, low residential planned housing and high rise/high end living accommodations.
Author Richard Peisern explains urban sprawl the article
Decomposing Urban Sprawl:
- explains how people have a general misconception of what is really meant by urban sprawl and tend to associate urban sprawl with negativity and problems
- due mismanagement and lack of control of urban sprawl due to a lack of knowledge on the concept of urban sprawl
- urban sprawl occurs all over the world (LDC’s & DC’s) and can have positive and negative impacts base on what type of sprawl it is
Urban sprawl has always occurred in cities due to urbanization. The population density at the CBD would be at its highest with increasing development and growth, then a significant decrease in residential settlement as they move to the outskirts (periphery) of the city. Middle and low class more out as well as the wealthy. Some move as they are unable to afford living int he CBD as the price of land an housing and rent goes up, and other move to live in a more environmentally friendly area which cost more but have the benefit of more security, less noise, air, land pollution, more green space and better housing designs.
Though urban sprawl is unplanned, the housing areas are sometimes planned. Gated communities, high rise apartments and condominiums are all planned with income residents in mind and caters to their needs and wants. As many people try to get away from the congestion of the city, there is the need for housing to built sky-wards to reduce the congestion as there isn't enough land available.
There is also low income housing built on the outskirts of the city, which is more compact and crammed with less amenities and lower living standards as high income residential areas. In some instances many are unable to afford these housing and therefore resort to squatting or slum areas. These areas are usually the poorest with dilapidated houses, all of which are cluttered together.
Urban sprawl is a result of urban congestion, but urban sprawl can sometimes lead a new type of congestion just in a different location. In the following blogs to come I shall take a look at slum/squatter areas, low income housing and high end living which all result from urban sprawl.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean: Sustainable Development and Human Settlement Division explore the present condition of Caribbean cities and the proposed and expected future of these cities with the people in mind in the report
Urban Sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean
Thursday 3 April 2014
Clustered Streets... Street Vending
In urban cities it is very common to find streets being cluttered and crammed with street vendors, pedestrians and parked cars. Street vending has been part of ancient culture and is still part of our culture and society. Vendors sell just about anything and everything you can think about on the streets, pavements and sidewalks: fruits and vegetables, clothes, jewelry, furniture, food, drinks,CD's, DVD's, flowers/plants, appliance, accessories etc. Many of these diversified vendors, vend illegally as they do not have vending licenses, but for many it is the only means by which they can make a living and support themselves and their family.
These street vendors cause many problems which are related to urban congestion:
- Pollution - garbage and waste dumped along the roadside and drains
- Encroachment onto pavements which can be a nuisance to pedestrians and hinder them from walking
- Reduce the size of the road lane - vendors on either side of the streets occupy so much space that only one car at a time can use the these 2 lane streets
- Cause traffic congestion
- Take sales away from other businesses
- Aesthetically unpleasing
Parallel to these vendors are business, stores, offices, shops etc an therefore these pavements are always busy with pedestrians and customers. Legal business owners usually are unhappy with the problem of street vendors as they take business away from them "steal customers" and arguments can arise between business men and vendors, sometimes even between vendors for space and the threat of competition. Streets are lined with parked cars must of which is illegal parking from vendors selling from their cars or people parking to go purchase goods. This type of urban road congestion often leads to traffic on these streets. This is known as the informal economy and is common to the Caribbean and around the world as these vendor as not able to afford buildings. Much of these problems are attributed to a lack of law enforcement as some of these are illegal activities.
As urban areas grow in developing countries there is a increase in urban vending and further congestion of urban streets. According the the National Street Vendors Association in India they have identified two major causes of street vending in developing countries:
- Lack of employment and poverty in rural areas which has forced many into cities seeking better employment , but as they are not skilled to obtain formal jobs, they often join this type of informal economy.
- Some of these vendors may have been employed into the formal sector but lost their jobs due to closure, down-sizing or mergers and therefore vending was the only option to make an honest living.
HAVE A LAUGH: Short Film VENDING RIVALRY
Have a read of the following articles for more incite on street vending
- Street Vending in the Caribbean
Street-side Food Vending & Food Safety - Understanding the dynamics of Street VendingStreet Vending: Urban Problem & Economic Potential
Changing Public Space... Our Green Space
GREEN SPACE:
Health and Well-Being
Growing up, the park and savanna was part of my childhood, it was part of many people's lives as far as I could remember. It is where I played, other kids played, rode our bikes, flew kites, played football/cricket, the adults exercised, community gathered and events were held. But as the years have gone by, and development took took the forefront of urban areas, green spaces began to dwindle and replaced with concrete structures.
These pictures show some of the few open green spaces found in Trinidad's urban capital (Queens's Park Savannah, Woodford Square).
Open space is any public lot of land that is not fully developed and to
which the public had access too:
- Green space: parks, community gardens, and cemeteries.
- Schoolyards
- Playgrounds
- Public seating areas
- Public plaza
- Vacant lots
But green spaces with lawn and trees are quite limited in urban areas. With increasing development and growth of business, industries and residential areas there is the associated loss of green space and fragmentation. Public and private organizations have placed less interest and importance on public space and to them it is seen as unnecessary and can be used for economic gain.
In the article titled : The Future of Public Spaces: Beyond Invented Streets and Reinvented Places, author Tridib Banerjee explains that public space is becoming less available and of more concern within the past few years. While many trees and green areas are destroyed to accommodate new infrastructure, concern is now being placed on the lack of green space. The decrease in public space is directly linked to changes with respect to political, economic and technological factors. Though much open green space cannot be found in the heart of urban areas, nearby residential areas as planned and designed with green spaces in mind.
There is a general decline in public space as population increases associated with urban growth especially in older cities, Banerjee explains, now these green spaces are mostly found in rich suburbs, which is often not open to the general public, as these areas are gated communities or high rise condominiums and apartments that owners only have access to.
There is a general decline in public space as population increases associated with urban growth especially in older cities, Banerjee explains, now these green spaces are mostly found in rich suburbs, which is often not open to the general public, as these areas are gated communities or high rise condominiums and apartments that owners only have access to.
The video below give a brief explanation on the
Related articles
Understanding the Impact of Quality Urban Green Space on People's Well-being in Deprived Communities Pollution... Why so much???
Pollution in cities is inevitable and has become a major issue due to urban and economic growth and industrialization. These pictures illustrate water, land and air pollution in Post-of-Spain, the urban capital of Trinidad. The vast numbers of people who occupy urban areas contribute to some type of pollution. People are quite dis-concerned with the condition of the environment until it starts to pose noticeable health hazards.
I took these pictures as it depicts pollution in urban areas and I strongly believe citizens should make a more conscious effect to keep their surrounding sanitary and hygienic. City pollution is cause from the congestion of different type of activities in the urban area example:
- Increasing number of vehicles - Car exhaust emissions (carbon monoxide), especially from Traffic Congestion motor oil and wear from brake linings and tires deposit pollutants on roadways
- Runoff drainage from businesses - Solid and liquid waste accumulate in drains and storm drains and clog these water ways
- Improper dumping of waste - People illegally get rid of waste dumping in drains and rivers and disregard to the law
- Building maintenance, renovation, construction - building materials, debris, dust all contribute to pollution
- Removal of tree - Cutting and clearing of trees for construction can cause flooding and reduces the natural process where trees filter the air
- Industrial activities - emissions and waste products from companies
- Residential areas - improper disposal of household waste
Rapid urbanization has resulted in increased urban air, land and water pollution in major cities attributed to the points listed above. The lack of law enforcement and fines has also contributed to these levels of pollution as home/business/company owners have no fear for illegally disposing waste matter.
Pollution is a problem throughout the Caribbean and can lead to irreversible damages. The following link expands on the potential threats the Caribbean is and will possibly face: Pollution Threats to the Caribbean
Thought the Caribbean is face with pollution, other urban cities around the world are faced with much more severe pollution problems. Air pollution via toxic emissions from cars, companies and industries have created a blanket of thick smog over cities which poses as a threat to human health.First published in the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme Magazine in April 2013, they looked at urban air pollution and its effects caused by large urban agglomerations. M. Melamed, T. Zhu and L.Jalkanen discusses a new global assessment that sheds light on the knows and unknowns of urban air pollution in the article titled
Urban Air Pollution - a new look at an old problem
The Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association presented an Article: Urban Air Pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean
Abstract
Urban air pollution has become an increasing problem in Latin America and the Caribbean. One reason is the rapid expansion in the size of the urban population. This phenomenon is associated with an increase in the number of vehicles and in energy utilization which, in addition to industrial processes often concentrated in the cities, are the primary sources of air pollution in Latin American cities. The air quality standards established in such countries are frequently exceeded although control programs have been implemented. The urban areas more affected by anthropogenic pollutant emissions are Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Mexico City. In Latin America, the population of cities with high priority air pollution problems include approximately 81 million people or 26.5 percent of the total urban population of Latin America, corresponding to 30 million children (< 15 years), 47 million adults (15-59 years) and 4 million elderly people (^>60 years) who are exposed to air pollutant levels that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for adequate health protection.
**** Upcoming Event****
Urban Air Pollution - a new look at an old problem
The Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association presented an Article: Urban Air Pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean
Abstract
Urban air pollution has become an increasing problem in Latin America and the Caribbean. One reason is the rapid expansion in the size of the urban population. This phenomenon is associated with an increase in the number of vehicles and in energy utilization which, in addition to industrial processes often concentrated in the cities, are the primary sources of air pollution in Latin American cities. The air quality standards established in such countries are frequently exceeded although control programs have been implemented. The urban areas more affected by anthropogenic pollutant emissions are Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Mexico City. In Latin America, the population of cities with high priority air pollution problems include approximately 81 million people or 26.5 percent of the total urban population of Latin America, corresponding to 30 million children (< 15 years), 47 million adults (15-59 years) and 4 million elderly people (^>60 years) who are exposed to air pollutant levels that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for adequate health protection.
**** Upcoming Event****
Urban Environmental PollutionClimate Change and Urban Pollution
June 12th - 15th Toronto, Canada
The aim of Urban Environmental Pollution 2014 (UEP2014) is to provide an international forum to continue to explore and characterize urban environments and how they affect human health and well-being.
Wednesday 2 April 2014
Traffic Congestion... Long Hours in Traffic Jam
It is well known that all urban areas produce
traffic congestion or “traffic jam” and is experienced by the
average working person, business man, school/university students, vendors etc.
The number of people entering the urban area is well into the 1000’s. Traffic
occurs when a volume of traffic generate demand for space greater that the
available road space capacity. This type of urban congestion occurs every day
at peak hours of the day, (work/school arrival and departure times) where
traffic is at its highest. These pictures show some congestion at major
intersections on the highways to enter the urban areas and Central Business
District.
Living in Arima, I use private transport (our personal cars)
to travel to University of West Indies,Trinidad. I generally
experience everyday to enter St.Augustine and Arima, and Port-of-Spain. Many
people depend on urban areas for jobs, schooling, medical care, entertainment
etc. and visit these city areas every day, more than once. It is expected as
the population density increases in urban areas and surrounding areas (suburbs
and urban periphery) the traffic congestion situation will increase
rapidly.
The intensity of congestion is exacerbated by
vehicular accidents, working zones, lack of traffic police presence and
enforced laws. Daily traffic is a sign of an urban areas and urban growth and
will always be a problem. Traffic scientists and urban economists have done
research on traffic congestion and proposed and Economic Theory on Urban
Traffic Congestion.
To understand the concept of Urban Traffic Congestion from
an economic point of view you should definitely take a read.
While research I came across this report on Managing Urban Traffic Congestion by the EUROPEAN CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF TRANSPORT
In January 2004, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) brought together their transport research capabilities in setting up the Joint Transport Research Centre. This document provides a summary of the key messages and findings of the OECD/ECMT Joint Transport Policy Research Centre report on Managing Urban Traffic Congestion. It puts forward policy-oriented, research-based recommendations for effectively managing traffic congestion and eliminating excessive congestion in large urban areas. It also provides a fundamental overview of the nature, scope and measurement of congestion necessary for any effective congestion management policy.
Click the link to view the whole PDF
Managing Urban Traffic Congestion
Managing Urban Traffic Congestion
Why is there traffic congestion?
- Population growth – more people, more income, more people purchasing cars
- Unchecked development, urban economic growth, residential growth and congested streets
- Accidents, events and incidents
- Street vending
Some effects of traffic congestion:
- Long hours in traffic
- Waking up earlier than desired to get to school or work
- Leaving earlier or later to avoid the congestion on the roads
- Fatigue – mental, physical and psychological
- Less time spent with family and friends
- Poor air quality
Few tips on how you can reduce traffic by not contributing to it
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)