Simulating traffic and environmental effects of pedestrianization and traffic management. A comparison between static and dynamic traffic assignment

Traffic simulation models are capable of evaluating traffic management measures determining their impacts to mobility and environment. This paper presents a study that evaluates traffic management measures designed for the central area of the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, and estimates the environmental effects generated by the proposed measures. The analysis was performed with the use of the traffic simulation software Aimsun. Traffic assignment was conducted both statically and dynamically and all possible comparisons among the tested scenarios were performed. Travel time, delay time, queues and speed were the traffic performance measurements used in the evaluation process. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were estimated for the determination of the environmental impacts. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted in order to evaluate the effects caused by the variation in traffic demand. Different scenarios regarding particular traffic management schemes were tested and the outcomes indicated that mobility in the centre of the city can be improved in qualitative terms if more public space is given to the mass transport and other modes of mobility such as biking and walking.