EFFICIENCY OF PASSENGER CAR UNITS IN ANALYSING URBAN ROAD TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN NIGERIA.
Traffic congestion is a phenomenon leading to undesirable consequences in most cities of the world. Passenger car unit (PCU) or equivalent was developed for different countries across the globe but the application determines its uniqueness and how systematic, measured, accurate, reliable, and technically feature in a real-life situation. Due to the uniqueness and natural settings of economic characteristics and requirements of mobility in addition to the normal urban road congestion, Nigerians faced a typical road congestion problem that warrants this research. This paper aimed to analyse the efficiency of passenger Car units or equivalent in an urban road congestion study. The objectives of this research are two-fold. First, reviewed relevant literature related to the study and their output suitability. Secondly, assess the intensities of road congestion and the level of services (LOS). Inadequacy of road connectivity was also observed as one of the major setbacks in Nigeria. The study notes that, 15% – 20% of route diversion from the high-level congestion road or minor road at evening peak period. The study revealed a significant relationship between the intensity of road congestion and the level of services. This pilot study justifies the requirement to effectively analyse and application of PCU for further research in their related traffic area under investigation.
Keywords: Passenger car units, Intensity of flow, Level of service, Peak hours, Route diversions.
