Citation

Gurney A. Proc. Int. Tech. Conf. Enhanced Safety Vehicles 1992; 1992: 25-29.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, In public domain, Publisher National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine people's perceptions of the impacts of heavy vehicles on the local urban community, and to draw out conclusions which may be of relevance to those involved in the design, use and regulation of such vehicles. The paper brings together the findings of a variety of research projects into people's perceptions. As well as examining research carried out by others, the paper presents the findings of a project carried out by Travers Morgan (TM) for the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). The paper is presented in three main sections: Section 2 considers what people believe to be the main environmental impacts of traffic; Section 3 considers what contribution people believe that heavy vehicles make to these impacts; and Section 4 investigates whether there are any changes in vehicle design, or in other factors, that could affect people's concerns about heavy vehicles. A final section draws together conclusions and considers some possible priorities for action. The results indicate that noise/vibration and air pollution and lack of safety are the main effects of traffic perceived by local communities. Lorries are considered an important factor in causing such adverse impacts. People are able to differentiate between heavy vehicle dimensions in terms of their contribution to the major problem areas. Largest lorries cause particular concern with regard to lack of safety and noise/vibration. If smaller lorries were used to replace larger ones then the concern is for air pollution related to greater frequency of use.