2008 past paper.Describe and explain schemes which have been introduced to reduce problems of traffic management in any named city you have studied in an EMDC. 10 marks.

Answers should be assessed out of 10 with a maximum of 6 for either description or explanation.

Credit specific named examples within the chosen city up to max of 3.

Maximum of 5 marks for answers which fail to relate to a named city.

During the 1960s and 1970s the M8 motorway was built right through the city centre of Glasgow, with the Kingston Bridge carrying the M8 across the River Clyde. The Clyde side Expressway was also built to improve access for commuters into the city centre. The Clyde Tunnel and Erskine Bridge also opened allowing vehicles to cross the Clyde further downstream, easing pressure on the city centre.Presently, the M74 is being extended into the city centre of Glasgow –keeping through traffic off the CBD roads and taking traffic away from the M8 – one of the busiest motorways in |Britain. Improvements to public transport have also been made : The 2 major railway stations have been upgraded and modernised – Glasgow Central and Queen St. Buchanan St bus station has also been modernised.Park n ride schemes have also been introduced where commuters park their car for free next to a station in the suburbs and complete their journey into the city centre by train.The Glasgow underground was modernised, electrified and the stations enlarged in the 1970s. Over 14million people use the subway every year!Improving traffic flow in the CBD:One way systems have been introduced in Glasgow’s CBD – for instance around George Square. Recently, cars have also now been banned from George Square to help reduce congestion allowing public transport to move more quickly.Traffic wardens, yellow lines, increased metering and parking charges around the CBD are also discouraging the use of private transport and encourage the use of public transport.Pedestrianisation (and landscaping) of major CBD shopping streets e.g. Buchanan St, Argyle St and Sauchiehall St. help reduce traffic flow in and around the CBD. This also increases pedestrian safety and improves air quality and environment.Multi-storey car parks have also been built near shopping centres.