PHYSICAL PLANNING PERSPECTIVE OF THE CAUSES OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE CENTRAL AREA OF OSOGBO

This study analyzes the physical planning perspective of the causes of traffic congestion in the central area of Osogbo with a view to investigating the socio-economic lifestyle of commuters and Identifying the Causes of Traffic Congestion within the study area.The study annexed both primary and secondary sources for data collection. The study adopts 3% sampling for the study out of the total traffic count of 19745 respondents that ply the road; this therefore amounted to 364 respondents from the 7 selected junctions in the area. The results of the finding shows that the causes of traffic congestion can be categorise under three factors namely human, physical and landuse factors. It also shows that the socioeconomic status of respondents influences the condition of traffic congestion. The study concludes and makes recommendations such as need for public enlightenment / regular education of road users in the study area on the need to use traffic control device (TCDs), need to Decongest of activities at the central area of Osogbo so as to reduce the number of travel to the area, Construction of proper and consistent bus terminal which are not too far apart within the city, Enforcement the use of alternate route so as to minimize the number of traffic within the city centre during the peak hour of the day. It is recommended to provide parking plaza strategically within the area to curb the problem of on-street parking in the area.