Development of a methodology, using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), to choose between full pedestrianization and traffic calming area (woonerf zone type)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is the development of selection criteria, as well as a respective selection methodology, between full pedestrianization and the reconstruction of an area to a woonerf type traffic calming zone. The criteria which characterize a pedestrian area as such and a woonerf type traffic calming zone as such were collected. The processing of the criteria followed as well as their comparison. The criteria based evaluation of the alternatives may lead to a decision in case they do not meet one of the alternatives. Otherwise, e.g. in case the criteria meet both the alternatives, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method may be used for the selection of the best solution. This main idea led to the development of a methodology that is presented in this paper. Initially, a theoretical approach to the problem took place and 22 AHP questionnaires were completed by engineers of various disciplines regarding the problem, in order to draw general conclusions regarding the importance of the selected criteria. In order to test the proposed methodology in a specific case, it was applied in a case study at the Municipality of Ampelokipoi-Menemeni, Greece, where 11 AHP questionnaires were completed by residents and shopkeepers of the examined area. The results show that the proposed methodology could be a valid solution to a contemporary problem that many local authorities face.