(4)
(a)
Urban explosion
(b)
Hong Kong's congested pavements caused by increased population
inevitably bring pedestrians into conflict with vehicles at crossing
points of roads. Not only does this conflict threaten the safety
of pedestrians (death 1 day), it also impedes the flow of vehicular
traffic.
Problems arising from urban explosion (Source: World Bank
Sector Policy paper on Urban Transport): -
(i)
(ii)
The problems created by the explosive growth of the cities
of the developing world and rapid rise in ownership of
private automobiles necessitate a radical rethinking of
urban transport policies and programs. Advantage should
be taken of the great opportunities that exist for improving
the efficiency of public transport and thereby influencing
the pattern of urban growth to produce more livable cities.
In view of the shortage of resources available, it is urgent
that attention be given to cheap modes of transport for the
urban poor, many of whom cannot afford any form of
motorized transport.
(iii) Improvement of the efficiency of urban transport
will facilitate the absorption of newcomers into
the urban economy, thereby indirectly helping to relieve the
pressures of surplus rural populations and rural poverty.
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