Spatial Analysis of the Implications of Traffic and Parking Activities in the Mubi Cattle Market Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mubi Cattle Market is located within the town of Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The weekly market that is held every Tuesday and it is a revenue spinner for the commercial town has also become a source of a significant traffic congestion problem in the town [1]. This market attracts customers from the state, other parts of the country, as well as across international borders (Cameroon, Chad and Central Africa Republic). Similarly, the improved transportation system has helped increase the tempo of marketing operations [2] which further adds to the traffic situation. The marketrelated traffic, which may be over 10 times its normal volume (that is, non-market day), creates a nightmarish traffic experience for the Mubi town residents. Against this background, the present study was elaborated to yield the Cattle market related facts that may guide actions to mitigate traffic problems in the town. Traffic counting methods and transport planning at all levels requires understanding of actual conditions for proper land use planning. This involves the determination of vehicle or pedestrian numbers, vehicle types, vehicle speeds, vehicle weights, as well as more substantial information such as trip length, purpose and frequency. The first group of data, dealing with the characteristics of vehicle or people movement, was obtained by undertaking traffic counts [3]. Centre for Research on Settlements and Urbanism