survey report of causes of vehicles traffic problem in kabul afghanistan

Vehicles Traffic Problems In Kabul Afghanistan

2011

Research Unit-Afghanistan Institute Of Rural Development, MRRD

1

By: Zabih Ullah Safi

May 2011

Funding for this study was provided by the AREU &

Future Generation

Survey Report of Causes of Vehicles Traffic Problem in Kabul Afghanistan

Photo by: Life 2006


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All acclamation and appreciation are for the almighty Allah, who bestowed the mankind

with knowledge and granted sovereignty on earth. And all

the respect for his prophet

Muhammad (PBUP) who enlighten mankind with the essence of faith in Allah and guiding them the true path of life

I have taken efforts to carry out in complete this project. However, it would not have been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals and organizations. i

would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.

I am highly indebted to Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) & Future Generation (FG) for their guidance and constant supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project and also for their support in completing the project.

I would like to express my gratitude towards my parents & member of

(AIRD/ MRRD) and team of research unit, for their kind co-operation and encouragement which helped me in completion of this project.

I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to Anila Daulatzai for giving

me such attention and time.

My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleague in developing the project and people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities. I am highly thankful to Dr

Rajakutty who has patiently guided me from the inception till completion of the project and for the valuable comments at every stage. Last but not least I would highly oblige my

friends Mr. Javed Ahmad, Mr. Nasrat Sadat, Muhammad Daud Ahmadzai and Mr. Najmudin who helped me in data collection and report setting.

Mr Omar Anwarzai, Head of Research

Unit and Mr Abdul Shekib Rahaman, Director AIRD for their encouragement.


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Table of Contents Acknowledgements

.................................

02

CHAPTER#1 INTRODUCTION

.........................................................................

06

1.

Background of The Problem

.................................................................

06

2.

Definitions:

.....................................

06

3. Traffic 06

3.

Traffic Congestion

.............................................

07

4.

Traffic Jam

.............................................

... 07

5.

Objective of The Study: ..............................

.. 07

6.

Research Questions/ Hypothesis:

...............................

07

CHAPTER#2 LITERATURE REVIEW

.

08

1.

Demographic Layout of Kabul And Repaid Motorization

.....................

.08

2.

Poor Urban Infrastructure of Kabul And Traffic Problems

..................

... 10

3.

Challenges to Kabul Transportation System And Traffic Law

................................

.11

4.

Socio-economic Effects of Infrastructure And Traffic Improvements of Kabul ................................... 12

5.

Transport Policy For Kabul City

......................

13

CHAPTER#3 RESEARCH DESIGN

.

17

1.

Title of The Study:

................................

.. 17

2.

Purpose of The Study:

................................

.. 17

3.

Methodology:

.................................

...17

4.

Sampling

.................................

......17

5.

Sample Size:

.............................................

17

6.

Tools of Data Collection:

................................

18

CHAPTER#4 DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION: .. 19

1.

General:

........................................

... 19-25

2.

Taxi Drivers:

..................................................

. 25-31

3.

Traffic Police:

...........................................................................

31-33

CHAPTER#5 MAJOR FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: 34

1.

Major Findings of The Study:

..............................

35

2.

Conclusion:

..................................

37

3. Recommendation 39

CHAPTER#6 INTERVIEW SCHEDULE ..40

CHAPTER#7

BIBLIOGRAPHY 48


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Abbreviations: UN United Nations

KTPD Kabul Traffic Police Department

IRIN International Regional Informational Network

AED Afghanistan environment department

NEPA National Environmental Protection Agency

ADB Asian Development Bank

EST Environment

GDP Gross Domestic Product

ISAF International Security Assistance Force

MRRD Ministry Of Rural Rehabilitation & Development

AIRD Afghanistan Institute of Rural Development


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ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to examine of vehicles traffic problems in Kabul Afghanistan it is a survey of different key actors,

on the extent to which the traffic problems affect their daily lives. The key actor included in study were, passengers job holders, street-vendors traffic department and driver. Beside this main areas of enquiry, the study will also will also investigate the responses of above mentioned key actors of the problem in terms of their role in the problem and their responses to solutions.

The main theme of the study was to find out that factors which causes traffic problems as well the solution to the problem in Kabul as perceived by the different stakeholders. For this purpose 105 respondents were selected through convenient sampling and data was collected trough interview schedule. It was found that many

factors were responsible for the problem such crowded traffic system in Kabul,

excess private vehicles,

too many roads blocks/ check points, lack of awareness about traffic rules, narrow roads, road development in slow progress, bad roads, encroachment et, contributed to traffic problem of Kabul city. The one major reason was the government employees such as, parliamentarians, ministers, directors and all those who are enjoying the top management of government ranks are more frequent law breakers in city. And some respondents

claimed that they have seen some police accepting bribes form all those violators who breaks the rules in city. The responses of the driver respondent driver showed that general feelings that taxi drivers do not obeying traffic rules is mostly true. The reason that they are not obeying traffic rules is that they were not aware of traffic rules. The traffic police department of Kabul city complained about too many cars, inadequate police forces, and no cooperation of government employees and elite class of the city, they are more frequent traffic violators.


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1.

Background of The Problem

Due to the prosperous, lucrative and rich culture and natural resources Kabul has become widely known as not only a center of international community, tourism, international trade and investment but it is also well known for its severe traffic problem i.e. congestion and jam.

Our research explores different factors and aspects, which hamper the traffic in city of Kabul. The extent to which the traffic problems affect majority of the passengers job holders, street-vendors traffic department and driver is one of the main areas of enquiry. it also investigates the responses of above mentioned key actors of the problem in terms of their role in the problem and their responses to solutions. Though

it is a problem of epidemic proportions in Kabul community, no one recognizes their responsibility like legal driving, good citizenships, appropriate implementation and adherence of traffic laws in the city.

Photo by: zabih ullah Safi

Figure-1.1, crowded scene of Kabul main road,

May 8, 2011


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Some of the drivers complain about the street-vendors who occupy the roads and road side walkers who do not have road sense as a cause. They also point out that the Kabul Traffic Police Department (KTDP) does not have well trained police and most of them are involved tremendous amount of bribery by not punishing the person who break the law or have no control over the erring elite class of this country like military figures of ISAF, government employee and national army of Afghanistan.

On the other hand, people feel that local are not obeying the traffic law,

as many of them do not know traffic rules and laws. The number of such drivers is increasing and that s why problem is worsening day by day.

But one of the most important reasons behind this worse problem is high growth rate of Kabul population. -Kabul has population of 5.5 million people, which is growing at a rate of 2.47 % per year while the roads in the city were designed for 500000 people and there are also 10 times as many cars on the street

now than during Taliban era (Quinoas, 2008)1.

1.1.1.

Traffic:

The word traffic has originated from French Traffique, Spanish Trafico, or Italian traffic in early 19 century which mean vehicle moving on a road or public high way (oxford online dictionary 2010). Basically there are two majors types of traffic problems, given below, which are also very common in Kabul, Afghanistan.

a)

Traffic Congestion b)

Traffic Jam 1.1.2.

Traffic congestion According to the Wikipedia, traffic

congestion is a condition on road network occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip time, and increase vehicles queuing. When traffic demand is great enough that the interaction between vehicles slows the speed of the traffic stream, congestion is incurred. As demand approaches the capacity of road (or of the intersection along the road), extreme traffic congestion sets in.

1.1.3.

Traffic jam According to Wikipedia, when vehicles are fully stopped for periods of time, this is colloquially known as traffic jam.

1 Quotes From (AED) Afghanistan Environment Department (Quqnoos Jan. 15, 2008)


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1.2 objective of the study:

Main objective of the study are given blow:

1.

To find out the factors those contribute to the traffic problem of Kabul city.

2.

to know about the positive and negative role of key actors i.e. (KPTD, drivers, passengers, pedestrians, street-vendors, job holders, road side walkers etc)

3.

To know the various facilities and projects which government, provide for the control of horrible traffic problem, as well the rules and regulation of government in the process of traffic development.

4.

To gauge the popular perception that ISAF, afghan national army, and government employee are the main traffic law breakers.

5.

To identify the measures for the control of severe forms of traffic problem i.e. traffic congestion and traffic jam

1.3 Research questions/ hypothesis:

1.

Why some drivers in Kabul don t obey traffic law which causes traffic jam in Kabul Afghanistan?

2.

Does high level of income in Kabul increase the repaid motorizations, which causes traffic congestion in Kabul Afghanistan?

3.

What is the role of Kabul traffic police and drivers to decreases the traffic problems and what is the role of cheaply imported and unregistered cars in traffic problem in Kabul Afghanistan?

4.

Who are the real law and norms breakers of Afghanistan traffic law, and what is driving norms for afghan drivers?

5.

Is there any policy drawn by the government of Afghanistan, for traffic problem of Kabul, to decrease traffic problems?


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2.

LITRATURE REVIEW

2.1.

DEMOGRAPHIC LAY OUT OF KABUL AND REPAID MOTERIAZTION

The rapid growth in motor vehicle activity over the last three decades in Kabul city, has in fact outstripped population growth rates, which have them been quite dramatic.

According to A.J Habibzai at el 2010, this as July 2010 the

estimated population of Afghanistan, is at 29 million with an annual growth rate 2.47 or a 67% increase from its 1990 level. While the population of Kabul on December 29th 2010 is approximately 4, 161000(A.J Habibzai at el, 2010)

Afghanistan experience a terrible political situation after the exodus of Russian troops between 1992 and 2001,

and during this period, the bloody civil war not only stopped the development of the country but destroyed many provinces infrastructure including that of.

Kabul many roadways deteriorated to the point of impassibility and infrastructure was destroyed or damaged.

Motor vehicle activity has been growing rapidly in Kabul over the last three decades, but particularly since the 2010(A.J Habibzai at el, 2010)

Extrapolated from a population of 3,450000 in 2009 and a population of 3,568500 on February 9th 2010, which worsen the traffic of Kabul city day by day (un 2010) vehicle

increase and population growth in the capital have hampered the traffic system to some extent (KTPD2010).

Delhi s motor vehicle fleet grew even more rapidly at an annual rate of around 20%, as against a population increases of 5-6% per annum, during 1970s and 1980s. (Madhav.G..Badami at el 2004)

if we compare the annual population growth rate of Kabul with Delhi, it explains the problem of traffic in Kabul to some extent:

According to United Nations, the Kabul population growth rate for 2000 2005 was 6.9%. And the vehicle population increase by approximately 11% annually (A.J Habibzai at el, 2010). Rising incomes are certainly an important factor contributing to rapid motorization in India and other rapidly industrializing Asian countries (Faiz et al 1992).

According A.J Habibzai at el, 2010, the same situation holds in Kabul, because

sizeable of population have high level of income, which raise the level of rapid monetization,

from 2001 to the present, rapid increase in population and the number of motor vehicles spurred the demand of transportation services.

Because of wars, from 1992 to 2001 Kabul suffered damage and destruction of its transportation facilities including pavements, sidewalks, traffic circles, drainage system, traffic signals , trolleybuses and almost all of the public transit buses(e.g. Millie).


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According to A.J Habibzai at el 2010, although around 2,500 miles (4025km) of roadways have been built in Afghanistan, less development occurred in Kabul

transportation facilities even though it is the capital of the country. At present, Kabul has approximately 350km of paved primary roads and 700 km of unpaved secondary road. About 60% of the 210 km of the paved main roads were damaged during the war in early 1990s and lacked proper maintenance. There are total of 98.8km (57.6mi) of paved expressways within Kabul.

According to United Nation Regional Information Networks (IRIN) 2010, every month 800, 0 new vehicles are registered with Kabul traffic department, adding to Kabul one million vehicles. The narrow roadways of built more than three decades ago are now victims of massive traffic.

According to IRIN report that road system of Kabul was considered to be originally designed for only 25,000 to 3500, 0

vehicles but now this report estimated that there are 1,224,000

vehicle in Kabul city in 2010,.

In Kabul there is less sidewalks for the pedestrians demand, some shopkeeper and vendors have decreased the capacities even more by putting their merchandise along the sidewalks. Traffic circle is very common and about 35 of them exists (A.J Habibzai at el, 2010)

The private sector now account for over 90% of mass transportation services provided to Kabul residents. There are many opportunities the state of public transit in Kabul by re-envisioning the national bus system(A.J Habibzai at el, 2010).the low average income and high density population of Kabul force the people to dependent on public transportation system rather than personal cars. Privately owned and operated buses, minibuses, and taxis are especially significant in intercity travels (A.J Habibzai at el, 2010)

According to A.J Habibzai at el, 2010, in contrast to other countries, signing signals and signalization of the streets are the duty of Kabul transportation police department (KTPD), Although there were many street sign and signals on intersection before 1992, almost of them were destroyed during the civil war of the last two decades,KTPD has installed a few signs and signals within the down town during the last three years, there are more than 150 majors intersections where congestion is present every business day and crashes occur frequently.

According to Kabul traffic administration and Afghanistan national environmental protection agency (NEPA) there are more than 3000,00 passenger cars and more than 100,000 trucks on narrow street of Kabul create sever gridlock and traffic jam.

The traffic congestion is so bad that very often there is no room for the pedestrians to cross the streets or just walk on the poorly maintain sidewalks are also overtaken by angry drivers (Atiq Sedeqi, PhD 2009).


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2.2.

POOR URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE OF KABUL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEM

Traffic jams reflect the poor urban planning by the authorities,

there are more challenges on urban transportation system in Kabul because, there is no traffic lights in the cities, narrow urban roads, misuse of roads and large number of pedestrians,

inadequate parking slow vehicles movement lack of mass transport systems; trams, metros, etc

in Kabul 70% of the city population lives in informal and unplanned settlement, lack of infrastructure and services creates traffic problem in Kabul(Wahid sept2010).

According Alberta May2010, the

demand and supply gaps as major causes of congestion. It says transport infrastructure supply is bellowing the demand, inadequate capacity of intersection, mixed traffic on same road space and operation disorder, absence of scientific traffic control, disorder in bus operations, inadequate parking space and east-west road links are fueling traffic jam in Kabul. (Alberta, May 2010).

According the country synthesis report on urban air quality management, urban population share in Afghanistan is 20.3% (2005) and grows at a rate of 2.9% per annum (ADB, 2006). Kabul the country s capital is also the most urbanized area. population density in the country is a low 46persons per km2 based on a united nations 2005 estimate of the population at 29.86 million as of July 2005 (United Nations, 2005)

According to A.J Habibzai at el 2010, Afghanistan with an estimated population of 3.768 million and a density of 269 people per hectare (69634 people/ mi2) for

2010, being almost 3 times denser than New York City

According to the Tiwari 2004, in cities with population up to 1.5 or 2 million, public transit plays a limited role at best, because it cannot be sustained at sufficiently large scale, vehicles and tempos, as bicycles and cycles rickshaws, tend to account for significant shares of passenger trip. (Madhav. G.Badami at el, 2004)

Because of rapid urbanization, growing urban incomes, and increased congestion, and increase in ownership and use of personal motor vehicles is one the rise Indian cites (Madhavg.Badami at el 2004) in the context of Kabul, even though there is also high rate of income which increase the number of owned vehicles,

the private sector now account for over 90% of mass transportation services to meet needs of high density population of Kabul.(A.J Habibzai at el, 2010)

Beside that Kabul is the most populous and urbanized area of Afghanistan, because it is the focal point of administration, education, industry, trade, and communication in

Afghanistan houses are scattered in the poorly planned areas, resulting in problem of transportation, sanitation, waste management, and air pollution. There had previously been no road numbering system in Afghanistan, but the master plan road improvement project has adopted a system (A.J Habibzai at el, 2010)


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According to the Kabul municipality Kabul has 1500 km roads, among them 20% are paved, 60% paved damaged, about 50km of main roads and 100 km of secondary roads rehabilitation funded. While 90% of tertiary roads graveled or clay roads, about 5% of major roads have lights and 50% planned to be covered by 2015 which will be helpful in the reduction of traffic problem in Kabul Afghanistan. it is not only the inadequate road spaces that causes the traffic chaos in the city; other factors have also significantly contributed (Wahid sept2010).

2.3. CHALLENGES TO KABUL TRANSPORTAION SYSTEM AND CONCERN OF TRAFFIC LAW

There are different kinds of challenges to Kabul ,transportation system , primary pertaining to management, infrastructure, and planning of transportation system of Kabul , as far management the challenges pertain, old and obsolete traffic laws system, weak governance for implementation of traffic law and order,

are the major concern(3rd

Est. forum,2008) during the study driver said: I just crossed the circle, the indicator was on but a car passed the traffic light because there was no traffic police to stop him. He had to be punished and must have been sent a course to study the rules.

people come in front

of the car carelessly and also inexperienced drivers overtake the other cars recklessly (KTPD April, 2010) .

overlap of responsibilities, continuing war situation(unplanned traffic barriers and security blockades, low technical , human and economical capacity , unbalanced

development of small and large towns, transportation technical problems,(3rd

Est. forum,2008)

While in case of infrastructure of transportation system of Kabul, also have some challenges, like no traffic lights in the city, narrow road of Kabul city, inadequate parking, slow vehicle movement, etc. as well the planning of Kabul also have so many challenges that, lack of over all traffic and transportation planning and system in Kabul city, lack of update urban plans, rapid growth of unplanned areas in Kabul city due to sudden return of migrants to Kabul city have been recoded as main concern by the 3rd

EST forum, 2008.

2.4. SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRAFFIC IMPOVMENTS OF KABUL

the infrastructure-poverty linkage is indirect (i) economic growth is positively affected by the stock of infrastructure assets and (ii) income inequality decline with

infrastructure quantity and quality improvement(Narandra Singru ADB,2007) the findings were revealed at seminar on traffic congestion in Dhaka and its impact on business, the study says Bangladesh would enjoy the benefits of a huge economic boost by alleviating traffic congestion in the capital, which contributes to more than 35 percent of the country gross domestic product (GDP) worth nearly $100 billion (Alberta MCCI, May2010).


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the comparators for this analysis are socio-economic indicators that address expected benefits of the infrastructure rehabilitation of Kabul such as: lower travel and transport costs, improved access to travel and transport services, expanded labor markets and employment opportunities, improved access to agricultural inputs, improved rural product prices, expanded agricultural extension opportunities, and expanded regional, inter-regional and international (road-based) trade benefits, among others.(Dr Mafizul At El, August 2008).

The gender imbalance in Afghanistan s rural labor market may be aided by the road projects in the longer-term, if access to other places and ideas helps to motivate cultural change (Dr Mafizul at El,

August 2008) more than 90 percent of the shop-owners interviewed reported that they use the project road to bring in their merchandise. (Dr Mafizul At El, August 2008)

The transport sector derives the most obvious and direct benefit from the road rehabilitation, rehabilitating the road should act as an efficiency improvement that:

a.

increases the availability of transport and travel service (at a given price)

b.

reduces costs of transport (for any given level of supply)

c.

expands markets that depend on transportation, and

d.

creates opportunities for additional public income from road tariffs (Dr Mafizul At El, August 2008)


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2.5. TRANSPORT POLICY FOR KABUL CITY DRAWN UP BY GOVERNMENT OF AFGHANISTAN AND, TRAFFIC DEMAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR TRAFFIC

CONTORL

it would be totally unfair to criticize the government for not being able to solve the ongoing traffic congestion. If the prediction on vehicle growth rate of 12-13% per, annum holds true and the current number of vehicles has already far exceeded 2.3 million vehicles, what more can be expected in Bangkok in the next few years to come? The need to control traffic demands through the concept of demand management strategies is no longer in doubt and is badly needed. Definitely no amount of excuses could possibly be accepted for any further delaying implementation (Yordphol Tanaboriboon, 1993)

According to A.J.S Habibzai at el 2010, while in Afghanistan also worsening the problem day by day that i.e. the growing rate of cars per anum is 11%, what more can be expected in Kabul in the next few coming years to come? so the government of Afghanistan, need to implement some, useful law for the control legal and as well illegal car growth of Kabul Afghanistan, there is 3000, 00 unregistered cars in Kabul because of wars, from 1992 to 2001 Kabul suffered damage and destruction of its 13 transportation facilities including pavements, sidewalks, traffic circles, drainage systems, 14 traffic signs and signals, trolleybuses and almost all of the public transit buses (e.g. millie15 bus). from 2001 to the present, a rapid increase in population and the number of motor16 vehicles spurred the demand for transportation services although around 2,500 miles (4025km) of roadways have been built in Afghanistan, less development occurred in Kabul transportation facilities even though it is the capital city of the country.( A.J.Habibzai at el, 2010).

It becomes obviously clear that what, Bangkok really needs is either to build more and more roads which can easily encounter the previous mentioned hindrances or to search for other alternative solutions. but it is not only the inadequate road spaces that causes the traffic chaos in the city; other factors have also significantly contributed (Yordphol Tanaboriboon 1993).

Probably, there is no single best solution to alleviate traffic congestion problems in Bangkok. However, the word solving may still be far from reality, relief is perhaps a more suitable word to describe any traffic improvement in Bangkok. But two proposed measures are recommended in this paper based upon previous elaborations, namely: demand management and improvement of public transit systems (Yordphol Tanaboriboon 1993).

The utilization of more efficient and higher capacity modes of public transportation systems has not been given appropriate attention and priority in alleviating these chaotic conditions (Yordphol Tanaboriboon 1993). There is no national manual for traffic control devices; consequently, traffic control devices are inconsistent in Kabul and throughout the


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country. The system of 80 trolleybuses established in 1929 and designed to carry 21-27 million passengers per annum, were destroyed in civil war (A.J.S Habibzai at el, 2010).

Demand management, as mentioned in the preceding sections, will never be materialized successfully without adequate public transit systems that can ensure sufficient public mobility needs. so, the need to improve existing public transit services and the implementation of a new mass transit system are very evident in Bangkok (Yordphol Tanaboriboon 1993).

According to A.J.Habibzai at el 2010, KTPD changed some major two-way roadways of different districts of the city to one-way14 streets; other actions include using median barriers, and disallowing certain15 type of vehicles to enter the central business district. the creative use of travel demand management strategies in addition to improving the transportation supply-side is one area17 of research for improving both passenger movement and freight through Kabul .( A.J Habibzai at el, 2010).

Singapore, for example, successfully implemented various demand management strategies to control traffic demands and even the level of congestion to some extent. (Yordphol Tanaboriboon 1993).

Moreover, the existing main public transportation mode which is bus transit does not function to the, expectations of serving commuters. the overcrowded buses poor and unreliable services, excessive waiting time are commonly noticed in Bangkok, that s why the people using personal cars (yordphol tanaboriboon 1993).

I am fed up with this government, this people and this city," she said. "I ve

been waiting for the bus for more than an hour;

the fare is only 5 Afghanis. If I had more money i could take private transportation. In this city, only people with money survive

(Khatol Sahebzada, 2010)

Public transit buses in Kabul range from small vans (29 passengers) to mini-busses (around 28 passengers) to buses (around 50 passengers). Mass transit serves the Kabul population via fixed routes and unpublished schedules; although it sometimes picks up and drops off passengers in unspecified stops, like Bangkok the commuters compel to use the personal cars in Kabul city. There are many opportunities for improving the state of public transit in Kabul by re envisioning the national bus system. For example, the World Bank recommended decentralizing and fully commercializing the Millie bus (A.J.Habibzai at el, 2010).


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Figure 2.1 A Variety of Strategies, When Used In Combination, Can Effectively Deal With Congestion:

Source: US department of transportation & highways 2006

Attempts to solve Bangkok traffic are easier said than practiced and congestion problems will probably remain unless drastic changes take place. The government needs to reconsider about their lenient policies and applying less passive means of solving the metropolis problems. They must have enough courage and willingness to implement the demand management strategies even though these would draw certain resistance and strong opposition. They must be decisive in making decisions and should be free from politics. it is perhaps better to end this paper by quoting a philosopher s words which may enable them in decision making (Yordphol Tanaboriboon 1993)


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The Afghanistan government needs to must have enough courage and willingness to implement the demand management strategies even though these would draw certain resistance and strong opposition, for the traffic problem of Kabul (A.J.Habibzai at el, 2010).

Photo by: Zabih ullah Safi

Figure-2.2: A traffic policeman abortive attempt to book a traffic violator in capital


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3.

RESEARCH DESIGN 3.1.

TITLE OF THE STUDY:

Causes of vehicles traffic problem in Kabul Afghanistan and solution-

people s perception

3.2.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:

The main purpose of the study is to find out that factors which causes traffic problems as well the solution of the problem in Kabul Afghanistan as perceived by the different stakeholders.

3.3.

METHODOLOGY:

This study will interview different stakeholders (drivers, passengers, traffic police, and cart/ roadside vendors) on their perceptions on their problem and their suggestions for solution. A pre designed and pre-tested interview schedule were used. In addition secondary data collection and discussion with relevant government departments will also be conducted

3.4.

SAMPLING For collecting the relevant data, the convenient sampling technique is adopted (used).The interviews will be conducted in specific and most traffic congested areas of the city such as Shahrenow, Masood Square, Wazir Akbar khan, and Taimani.

3.4.1 SAMPLE SIZE:

Based on the preliminary investigation, the variability of responses from different category of proposed respondents is very low and therefore it has been decided that the sample size can be small. The total sample size for the study is pegged at 105 drawn from 3-4 highly congested or traffic jam locations in Kabul city which include shahrenow, Masood circle, wazir Akbar khan, and Taimani. the sample will comprise: vehicles (5 buses, 5 taxies, and 5 private cars from each location , 10 traffic police personnel (5 from the Kabul traffic police department and 5 road site police),10 passenger s of 5 private cars and 5 taxies, 15 respondents from the road user of different categories such as 5 street vendors, 5 cart vendors, and 5 pedestrians,10 job holders (5 governmental and 5private employee) and 10 military respondents (5 from ISAF forces and 5 of Afghanistan national army). the sample distribution is presented in the table below.


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3.5.

TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION:

Due to time and resources limitation and based on the preliminary research, simple structured interview schedules have been designed for the collection of relevant information. The tools were measure the awareness, perception and opinion/ suggestions. Two months duration was given for the study, which was completed during the estimated time.

S/No

Respondents

Categories

Sample size

Total

1

Vehicles Operators

In Each Circle: Taxi 5 +Buses 5 +Private Cars 5

15 Masood circle

15 Taimani

10 Wz. Khan

10 Shahrenow

50

2

Traffic Police KTPD + Police On Road

KPTD=5

Police On Road= 5

10

3

Passengers Private Cars+ Taxi

Private Cars=5 Taxi=5

10

4

Road Users Cart Vendors+ Street Vendors+ Pedestrians

Cart Vendors=5

Street Vendors=5

Pedestrians=5

15

5

Military Figures ISAF+ Afghanistan Army

ISAF= 5 Afghanistan Army=5

10

6

Job Holders Govt. Employees + Private Employees

GOVT. Employees=5

Private Employees= 5

10

Total 105


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4.

DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION:

Analysis in social research means the preparation of social phenomenon in their constituent parts and examination of these parts and an examination of these in relation to each other in their social context. Analysis is continuous process. It begins long before the collection of data comes to an end and in rudimentary forms enters into the every phase of research study, observation, collection of data and classification of data, establishment of categories and quantative treatment of data. In this part we have presented the data in the form of simple tables for the interpretation and analysis with scientific method to get the result.

4.1.

General:

Table#-4.1:

Age and Gender?

Age Gender Age Frequency Percentage

Male Female 20-30

18

17.14

Frequency Percentage

Frequency Percentage

31-40

43

40.95

15

14.28

10

9.52

41-50

17

16.19

49

46.66

15

14.28

Above 50

27

25.71

41

39.04

11

10.47

Total 105

100

105

100

36

34.28

Source: Filed survey

The first portion of the table were shows that out of 105 respondents 17.14% of the respondents were in the range of 20-30 years of age, 40% of the respondents were in the range of 31-40, and 16.19% of the respondents were in the range 41-50, while above 50 years respondents were 40%. Further portion of the table show the gender of the respondents. There were 14.28% males and 9.52% females at the range of 20-30 of age. The males it the range of 31-40 were 46.66% and females 14.28%. The male it the range of 41-50 were 46.66% and female 10.47%. While males were 39.04 and 10% females above 50 years old.


2011


21

Table#-4.2:

What Kind of Traffic Problems You Face?

What Kind Of Traffic Problems You Face Response Frequency Percentage

a

Delay Reaching To Destination 28

26.67

b

Poor And Inadequate Public(Mille) Transport 20

19.05

c Over Crowed Private Transport 30

28.57

d

Poor Quality Of Roads 17

16.19

e

Frequent Traffic Jam 10

9.52

Total 105

100.0

Source: Filed Survey

In table-4.2,

26.6 % of the respondents of the field survey show that they were reaching delay to their destination. And 19.05% of the respondents of the field survey shows that they were face the problem of poor and inadequate public ( mille) transport, and 28.57% 0f the field survey of the respondents shows that they were face the of overcrowd private transport. While 16.19% of the respondents of the field survey show that they were face the problem of poor quality of roads and 9.52% of the respondents shows that they were face the problem of frequent traffic jam.

Table#-4.3

which of the Most Serious Causes for the Vehicles Traffic Problem in Kabul?

Most Serious Causes For The Vehicles Traffic Problem In Kabul Response Frequency Percentage

a

Inability To Control Traffic Movement 18

17.14

b

Too Many Roads Blocks/Check Points

27

25.71

c Inadequate Road Network 1

0.95

d

Lack Of Traffic Sense Among Road Users 22

20.95

e

Insufficient Public Transport Services 4

3.81

f Too Many Vehicles 4

3.81

g

Illegal Parking And Cart Vendors And Foot Path Encroachment 10

9.52

h

All Of The Above 19

18.10

Total 105

100.0


In table-4.3, 17.14% of the respondents of the field survey show that inability to control

traffic movement, most serious causes for the vehicles traffic problem in Kabul, and 25.71% of the respondents of the field survey show that too many roads blocks/ check points causes the vehicles traffic problem in Kabul. and 0.95% of the respondents of the field survey show that, inadequate road network the most serious causes for the vehicles


2011


22

traffic problem in kabul.20.95% of the respondents show that lack of traffic sense among road user most serious causes for the vehicles traffic problem in Kabul. And 3.81 of the respondents show that insufficient public transport services most serious causes for the vehicles traffic problem in Kabul. While 3.5% tolled that too many vehicles are most serious causes for the vehicles traffic problem in Kabul. 18.10% tolled that illegal car parking as well cart vendors and foot path encroachment causes vehicles traffic problem in Kabul. 18.10% of the total respondents were agreed that all of the above mention reasons, most serious causes for the vehicles problem in Kabul.

Table#4.4:

Why Drivers and Common People Don t Obey Traffic Law?

Why Drivers And Common People Don t Obey Traffic Law

Response Frequency Percentage

a

Lack Of Awareness About Traffic Rules

34

32.38

b

Lack Of Regulation By Police To Observe Traffic Law

13

12.38

c

Corruption Of Traffic Police

24

22.86

d

None Provision For Lane Crossing, Signals Etc

15

14.29

e

Any Other (Specify)

19

18.10

Total

105

100

Source: field survey

The above table (4.4)

shows 32.38 of the respondents were agreed that due to lack of awareness about traffic rules they were not obeying traffic law. And 12.38% shows that d lack of regulation by police to observe traffic law; they were not obeying traffic law. 22.86 % of the respondents show that, due to corruption of traffic police drivers and common people don t obeying

traffic law. And 14.29% of the respondents show that due to non provision for lane crossing, signals etc drivers and common people

don t obeying traffic law. And 18.10 of the respondents show that due to bad roads drivers and common people don t obeying traffic law.

Table# 4.5:

Who Do You Think Are The Frequent Of Traffic Law Breaker?

Whom Do You Think Are The Frequent Of Traffic Law Breaker

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Government Employee

16

15.24

b

ISAF Force

15

14.29

c

Common People

18

17.14

d

Taxi Drivers

13

12.38

e

Truck Drivers

12

11.43

f

Private Car Owners

16

15.24

g

Police

5

4.76

h

Other Specify

10

9.52

Total

105

100


2011


23

Source: Field Survey

In table-4.5, 15.24% of the respondents show that government employee, by government employee respondents mean all those people who enjoy the high authoritative power of government such as, ministers, parliamentarians figures, directors etc are the most frequent traffic law breaker. And 14.29% of the respondents show that ISAF forces are the frequent of traffic law breakers. And 1

7.14% show their response that common people are the frequent of traffic law breakers. While 12.38% of the respondents were agreed that taxi drivers are the frequent of traffic law breakers. And 11.43% of the respondents were responded that truck drivers are the frequent of traffic law breakers. And 15.24% of the respondents were shows that private car owners are the frequent of traffic law breakers. While 4.76% of the respondents were responded that police are also the frequent traffic law breakers, in senses they will not aware of traffic rules and they, will not well train to implement the traffic rules. 9.52% of the respondents were shows that some time, foreigner & elites are the frequent of traffic law breaker.

Table#4.6:

Have You Seen Any Police Stopping Drivers Who Don t Obeying Traffic Rules?

Have You Seen Any Police Stopping Drivers Who Don t Obeying Traffic Rules

Response Frequency Percentage a

No 51

48.57

b

Saw But Let Off On Bribery 54

51.43

Total 105

100.00


In table-4.6, 48.57 of the respondents were response that they haven t seen any police stopping drivers who don t obeying traffic rules. While 51.43% of the respondents were response that they have seen some police stopping the drivers who don t obeying traffic rules and let off them on bribery.

Table#4.7:

How Does a Police Treat Drivers Which Break the Law?

How Does A Police Treat Drivers Which Break The Law Response Frequency Percentage

a Punish Them 47

44.76

b Take Bribery 26

24.76

c Can,T Control Them

14

13.33

d Just Warning Them 18

17.14

Total 105

100


In table-4.7, 44.76 of the respondents were response that police punish the drivers which break the law and 24.76% of the respondents were shows that police take bribery from all those drivers which break the traffic law. And 13.33% of the respondents were response


2011


24

that police can t control all those drivers which break the traffic law,

while 17.14% of the respondents were response, that police just warning all those drivers which break the law.

Table#4.8:

Do You Believe That Flyover And Subway Will Be Helpful In Reduction Of Traffic Problem?

Do You Believe That Flyover And Subway Will Be Helpful In Reduction Of Traffic Problem

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Yes

43

40.95

b

No

32

30.48

c

Don t Know

30

28.57

Total

105

100.00


In table-4.8, 40.95 of the respondents of the field survey were response that flyover and subway are helpful in the reduction of traffic problems. While 30.48 of the respondents of the field survey response that flyovers and subway do not helpful in the reduction of traffic problems. While 28.57 of the respondents were response that they don t know that flyovers and subway will be helpful in the reduction of traffic problem.

Table#4.9:

Do People Use the Foot Over Bridge or Subway Where It s provided?

Do People Use The Foot Over Bridge Or Subway Where Its Provided

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Most People

17

16.19

b

Some People

43

40.95

c

Very Few

45

42.86

Total

105

100.00


In table-4.9, 16.19% of the respondents were shows that most people use the foot over bridge or subway where it provided. And 40.95% of the respondents show their response that some people use the foot over bridge or subway where it s provided. While 42.86% of the respondents show their response that very few people use the foot over bridge or subway where it s provided.

Table#4.10:

Why Do You Think People Don t Use Over Bridge or Sub Way?

Why Do You Think People Don t Use Over Bridge Or Sub Way

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Inappropriate Locations

34

32.4

b

Unsafe

19

18.1

c

No Regulations

21

20.0

d

Lack Of Awareness

31

29.5

Total

105

100


2011


25


In table-4.10, 32.4% of the respondents of the field survey were response that people don t use over bridge or subway due inappropriate locations. 18.1% shows that people don t use over bridge or subway because it is unsafe. 20.0% of the field survey response

shows that people don t use over bridge or subway due to no regulation. While 29.5% shows that lack awareness among people they will not use over bridge or subway.

Table#4.11

Are You More Satisfied From Government Transportation Or Private Car System?

Are You More Satisfied From Government Transportation Or Private Car System

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Mille bus

45

42.86

b

Private Taxi

60

57.14

Total

105

100.00


In table-4.11, 42.86 % of the respondents of the field survey response that they were more satisfied from government transport system i.e. mille buses, while 57.14% respondents of the field survey shows that they were more satisfied from private cars system.

Table#4.12:

Street Vendors Working On Road Sides Because?

Street Vendors Working On Road Sides Because

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Due To Lack Of Rent

22

21

b

Due To Lack Of Proper Markets

31

30

c

No Regulation

33

31

d

Any Other (Specify)

19

18

Total

105

100


In Table-4.12, 21% Of the

Respondents of the Filed Survey Were Response That Street vendors working on road side because they will don t pay rent. And 30% of the respondents of the field survey shows, that due to lack of proper markets street and cart vendors are working on road sides. 31% of the respondents of the field survey agreed that street vendors and cart vendors working on road sides because there is no regulation. While 18% of the respondents were shows their response that street vendor were working on road sides because they will have small amount of capital for investment.

Table#4.13:

Do You Think Parking Facility In Kabul City Adequate?

Do You Think Parking Facility In Kabul City Adequate

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

No Specified Parking Place

26

24.8

b

No Regulation Of Parking

35

33.3

c

Very Few Parking Spaces

44

41.9


2011


26

Total

105

100


In table-4.13, 24.8 of the respondents of the field survey shows that, there is no specified parking place in Kabul city. While 33.3 % of the respondents were response there will no regulation of parking facility in Kabul. And 41.9 of the respondents of total survey show that there are very few parking spaces inside Kabul city.

Table#4.14:

Do You Think Locations Of Factories And Workshops In Central Part Of Kabul Creates Traffic Problem?

Do You Think Locations Of Factories And Workshops In Central Part Of Kabul Creates Traffic Problem

Response Frequency Percentage a In most places 22

20.95

b In some places 34

32.38

c Not a major problem 11

10.48

d Don t know

38

36.19

Total 105

100


In table-4.14, 20.95% of the respondents of the field survey show that, in most places in central Kabul factories and workshops creates traffic problem. 32.38 of the respondents of the field survey response that factories and workshop in some places of central Kabul creates traffic problems. 10.48% of the respondents were response that factories and workshops are not creates major problem. While 36.19 % of the respondents of the total survey shows that they were don t know, that location of factories and workshops in central Kabul creates traffic problems.

4.2.

Taxi drivers:

Table#

4.15:

Since How Long You Have Been Driving?

Since How Long You Have Been Driving Response Frequency Percentage

a 5 to 10

38

36.19

b 10 to 15

23

21.90

c 15 to 20

10

9.52

d 20 to 25

34

32.38

Total 105

100


In table-4.15

, 36.19 of the drivers respondents since were driving from 5-10 years in Kabul, while 21.90 of the driver s respondents were driving since 10-15 years in Kabul. In


2011


27

9.52% of the drivers respondents were, driving since15-20 years in Kabul. And 32.38% of the field survey shows that most of the drivers respondents were driving here from 20-25 years in Kabul.

Table#4.16:

Do You Have Driving License And Traffic Police Ask About Traffic License?

Do You Have Driving License And Traffic Police Ask About Traffic License

Response Frequency Percentage Yes 65

61.90

No 40

38.09

Total 105

100


In table-4.16, the filed survey shows that 61.90

% of the drivers respondents have traffic license and police were asked them about the driving license. While 38.09 % of the driver s respondents of the filed survey responded that they were not having driving license and police were not asked them about driving licenses.

Table#4.17:

How Did You Get Your License How Did You Get Your License

Response Frequency Percentage a

After Giving Proper Driving Test 65

61.90

b

Through Some Influence 24

22.86

c By Bribing 16

15.24

total 105

100

Source; Field Survey In above table-4.17, 61.90% of the drivers respondents of field survey were response that they were get license after giving proper driving test. And 22.86% of the field survey shows that they were get, their driving license through some influence. While 15.24 % of the drivers respondents were get their license by bribing the traffic department.

Table#4.18:

Is It Your Own Vehicle Or Working As Driver On Wages?

Is It Your Own Vehicle Or Working As Driver On Wages Response Frequency Percentage

a Owner 70

66.67

b Driver 35

33.33

Total 105

100

Source: filed survey

In table-4.18, 66.67% of the drivers respondents of the field survey were cars owner, while 33.33% of the drivers respondents were the driver working on wages for car owners.


2011


28

Table#4.19:

Is Your Vehicle Registered?

Is Your Vehicle Registered

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Yes

45

42.86

b

No

35

33.33

c

Doesn t Know

25

23.81

Total

105

100

Source; Field Survey

In table-4.19, 42.28% of the drivers respondents of the field survey were responses that, yes their vehicles are registered with (KPTD) Kabul traffic police department. While 33.33% of the respondents of the field survey show that their vehicles were not registered with (KTPD). And 23.81 % of the respondents of the filed survey show that, they were doing know that their vehicles will be registered with (KTPD).

Table#4.20:

There Is General Feeling That Taxi Drivers And Other Drivers Don t Follow Traffic Rules?

There Is General Feeling That Taxi Drivers And Other Drivers Don t Follow Traffic Rules

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Most True

46

43.81

b

True To Some Extent

34

32.38

c

Not True

25

23.81

Total

105

100


In table-4.20, 43.81% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey response that general feeling are most true, about taxi drivers & others drivers they were not follow traffic rules. And 32.38% drivers respondents of the filed survey show, that the general feeling about taxi and others drivers that they are don t follow traffic rules, are true to some extent. While 23.81% of the drivers respondents of the field survey response that, general feeling about taxi and other drivers that they are not follow traffic rules are not true..

Table#4.21:

If Some Drivers Are Not Following The Traffic Rules, Why?

If Some Drivers Are Not Following The Traffic Rules, Why

Response

Frequency

Percentage

a

Lack Of Knowledge

30

28.57

b

Unlicensed Drivers

14

13.33

c

There Is No Regulation Of Traffic(Signals, Lane Marking

17

16.19

d

Encroachment Of Road Affecting Proper Driving

10

9.52

e

Poor Quality Of Roads Don t Allow Drivers To Follow Rules

14

13.33

f

Deliberate Violation

20

19.05

g

Any Other (Specify)

0

0

Total

105

100


2011


29

Source: Filed survey

In table 4.21, 28.57 % of the drivers respondents of filed survey

that if some drivers not follow the traffic rules it is due to lack of traffic knowledge. And 13.33% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey were showed that unlicensed drivers not following the traffic rules. 16.19% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey were response that, if some drivers are not following the traffic rules, because there is no regulation of traffic (signals, lane marking) etc. and 9.52% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey were showed that, some drivers are not following the traffic rules, due to encroachment of road affecting proper driving.13.33% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey were showed that poor quality of roads doesn t allow the drivers to follow rules. While 19.05% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey were showed, that not following traffic rules deliberately.

Table#4.22:

Do You Believe Many Cars/Taxies Are Illegal-Without Registration Or License?

Do You Believe Many Cars/Taxies Are Illegal-Without Registration Or License Response Frequency Percentage

a To Large Extent 27

25.71

b To Some Extent 17

16.19

c Very Few 35

33.33

d

Don t Know

26

24.76

Total 105

100


In table-4.22, 25.71% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey response that they were believed that large extent of cars/ taxies are illegal-

without registration or license in Kabul city. While 16.19% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey shows, there will some extents of cars/ taxies are illegal-without registration or license in Kabul city. And 33.33% of the drivers respondents of the filed survey show that there will very few cars/taxies which are illegal-without registration or license. 24.76% drivers respondents of the filed survey show that they were don t know that many cars/ taxies are illegal-without registration or license in Kabul city.


2011


30

Table#4.23:

Do You Believe That Flyover And Basement Will Be Helpful In Reduction Of Traffic Problem?

Do You Believe That Flyover And Basement Will Be Helpful In Reduction Of Traffic Problem

Response Frequency Percentage A Yes 60

25.71

B No 16

16.19

C If Yes, Where It Will Need More

33.33

a Masooad Squre 16

24.76

b Abdul Haq Squre 09

100

c Dafghanan 37

35.24

d Demazang 12

11.43

e Darwazai Lahore 19

18.10

f shah-e-do Shamshira 05

4.76

g Poliarthan 07

6.67

Total 105

100


In table-4.23, that 60% of the driver s respondents were agreed that flyovers and basement will be helpful in the reduction of traffic problem in different locations of Kabul city. While

% of the drivers respondents were disagree with that, flyovers and basement will be helpful in the reduction of traffic problem in Kabul city. 15.24 of the 60% drivers respondents show that flyovers and basement in masood square will helpful in the reduction of traffic problem in that area. And 8.57% of the 60% drivers respondents show that they were believe that flyovers and basement in Abdul haq square will be helpful in the reduction of traffic problem of that area.35.24% of the 60% the drivers respondents show, that they were believe that flyovers and basement, in Da-Afghanan will be helpful in reduction of traffic problem of that area. 11.43% of the 60% the driver respondents show that they were believe that flyovers and basement, in Demazang will be helpful in reduction of traffic problem of that area. 18.10% of the 60% the drivers respondents show that they were believe that flyovers and basement, in Darwazai Lahore will be helpful in reduction of traffic problem of that area. 4.76% of the 60% the drivers respondents show that they were believe that flyovers and basement, in Shah-e-do Shamshira will be helpful in reduction of traffic problem of that area. While 35.24% of the 60% the drivers respondents show that they were believe that flyovers and basement, in Poliarthan will be helpful in reduction of traffic problem of that area.


2011


31

Table#4.24:

Why Do Drivers Not Follow Lanes On Roads?

Why Do Drivers Not Follow Lanes On Roads Response Frequency Percentage

a Lack Of Traffic Signals 21

20.00

b Poor Quality Of Roads 23

21.90

c Lack of Traffic Police 22

20.95

d Not Aware Of Traffic Rules And Regulations 24

22.86

e All of the above 15

14.29

Total 105

100


In table-4.24, 20% of the drivers respondents were response that why they were not follow lane on roads, due to lack of traffic signals. 21.90% of the drivers respondents were response that they were not follow lanes on roads due to poor quality of roads. And 20.95% of the drivers respondents were response that they were not follow lanes on roads, because they were not aware of traffic rules and regulations. While of the drivers respondents were response, they were not following lanes on roads because all of the above mention reasons.

Table#4.25:

Why Do You Park Your Car/Taxi Anywhere To Take Commuters?

Why Do You Park Your Car/Taxi Anywhere To Take Commuters

Response Frequency Percentage a Lack Specified Area 42

40.00

b Due To Insistence Of Commuters 14

13.33

c Lack Of Police Observers 35

33.33

d Any Other (Specify)

14

13.33

Total 105

100


In table-4.25, 40% of the driver s respondents of the filed survey were response that they were park their cars/ taxi anywhere to take commuters due to lack of specified area. and 13.33% of the driver s respondents were response that they were, park car/ taxi anywhere to take commuters due to insistence of commuters.33.33% of the drivers respondents were response that they were park their cars/taxi anywhere to take commuters, due lack of police observer.13.33% of the drivers respondents were showed that, no rule regulation to follow its. That s why we park our cars.


2011


32

4.3.

Traffic Police:

Table#4.26,

What Are The Major Reason For Traffic Problem In Kabul City?

What Are The Major Reason For Traffic Problem In Kabul City Response Frequency Percentage

a

Too Many Vehicles 36

34.28

b

Narrow Roads 16

15.23

c Encroachment By Vendors 10

9.52

d

Unlawful Parking 10

9.52

e

Security Post 10

9.52

f Lack Of Traffic Sense 23

21.90

Total 105

100


In table-4.26, 34.28% of the police respondents of the field survey response that the major reasons for traffic problem in Kabul city are too many vehicles. And 15.23% of the police respondents were showed that, the major reasons for traffic problem in Kabul city are narrow roads. And 9.52% of the police respondents of the field survey show that the major reasons for traffic problem in Kabul city are encroachment of roads by vendors. And 9.52% of the police respondents of the field survey show that, unlawful parking is the major reason for traffic problem in Kabul city. And 9.52% of the police respondents of the filed survey show that security post are the major reason of traffic problem in Kabul city. While 21.90% of the police respondents were response that lack

of traffic sense among drivers and common people are major problem in Kabul city.

Table#4.27:

What Are the Problems of Traffic Police?

What Are The Problems Of Traffic Police Response Frequency Percentage

a Inadequate Police Force 34

32.38

b Lack Of Training 20

19.05

c Corruption 22

20.95

d Unregistered Car Vehicles 17

16.19

e Poor Quality Of Roads 12

11.43

Total 105

100


In table-4.27, 32.38% of the respondents were response that, inadequate police forces are of problem of traffic police. And 19.05% of the police respondents were showed that lack of police training are the problem of traffic police. And 20.95% of the police respondents of the field survey were showed that corruption is also the problem of traffic police in Kabul. And 16.19% of the police respondents were responded that unregistered vehicles are also


2011


33

the problem of traffic police in Kabul city. While 11.43% of the respondents were showed that poor quality of roads is also the problem of traffic police in Kabul city.

Table#4.28:

On Average How Many Traffic Violates Cars Or Booked In A Day?

On Average How Many Traffic Violates Cars Or Booked In A Day Response Frequency Percentage

a 2 -

4

23

21.90

b 4 -

6

9

8.57

c 6 -8

37

35.24

d 8 -10

17

16.19

e Above 10

19

18.10

Total 105

100


In table-4.28, 21.90 of the police respondents were response that they were booked average 2-4 cars those who violates the traffic rules. And 8.57% of the police respondents were show that, they were booked 4-6 cars

in a day whose violates the traffic rules. And of the police respondents were claimed that they were booked average 6-8 cars per day, whose violates the traffic rules. And 16.19% of the police respondents were responses that they were booked average 8-10 cars violators in a day. While 18.10% of police respondents were response that they were booked averages above than 10 cars violators in a day.

Table# 4.29:

So If Some One Violates The Traffic Rules, How You Are Treating Them?

So If Some One Violates The Traffic Rules, How You Are Treating Them

Response frequency percentage a fine them 55

52.38

b

Just warning them 31

29.52

c they are run away 19

18.10

total 105

100


In table-4.29, 52.38% of the police respondents were response that, if someone violates the traffic rules, they were fine them. 29.52% of the police respondents were response, that if someone violates the traffic rules so they were just warning them, because most of the violators belong to governmental employees or elites. 18.10% of the police respondents were response that they can t control due to lack of facilities, all that who violates the traffic rules because they are run away.


2011


34

Table#4.30:

What Are Your Regulations To Avoid Traffic Problems In Kabul City?

What Are Your Regulations To Avoid Traffic Problems In Kabul City Response Frequency Percentage

a

Book And Seize Illegal Cars 20

19.05

b

Flyovers In Different Junction 16

15.24

c More Subways For Road Crossing 23

21.90

d

Training For High No Of Traffic Police 17

16.19

e

More Traffic Signals 20

19.05

f More Sign Boards On Roads 5

4.76

g

Any Other(Specify)

4

3.81

Total 105

100


In table-4.30, 19.05% of the police respondents were response that they were avoid traffic problems in Kabul city, to book and seize illegal cars. And 15.24% of the police respondents were show that they were avoiding traffic problems in Kabul city, to that government construct flyover in different junction. 21.90% of the police respondents were response that they can avoid traffic problems in Kabul, thorough more subways for road crossing. 16.19% of the police respondents were response that, they can avoid traffic problem in Kabul city, through training for high numbers of traffic police. 19.05% of the police respondents of the field survey claimed that traffic problem in Kabul city should be avoided constructing more traffic signals through Kabul city. And 4.76% of the police respondents of the field survey show that, more sign boards on roads can avoid traffic

problems in Kabul city. While 3.81% of the police respondents were response that constructs the traffic signals of Kabul is also one regulation to avoid traffic problem in Kabul city.

Table#4.31:

Who Do YOU Think Are The Frequent Violators Of The Traffic Rules?

Who Do YOU Think Are The Frequent Violators Of The Traffic Rules Response Frequency Percentage

a ISAF Forces 10

9.52

b Afghanistan Army 20

19.05

c Government Employee 38

36.19

d Elites 21

20.00

e Taxi Drivers 16

15.24

Total 105

100


In table-4.31, 9.5% of the police respondents were response that they were thought that ISAF forces are the frequent violators of the traffic rules.19.05% of the police respondents were show that Afghanistan army are the frequent violators of the traffic rules in Kabul.


2011


35

and 36.19% of the police respondents were response that, they were thoughts that government employee by government employee they were mean who enjoys the higher ranking of Afghanistan government( ministers, parliamentarians, directories, etc) are frequent violators of the traffic rules.


2011


36

5.

MAJOR FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION:

5.1.

Major findings of the study:

1.

From Our Study I Found That 28.57% Of The Respondents Of The Field Survey Face The Problem Of Over Crowded Private Transport System.

2.

The Study Show That 25.17% Of The Field Survey Respondents Were Responded That Too Many Roads Block/ Checkpoints Are The Most Serious Causes For The Vehicles Traffic Problem In Kabul.

3.

The Result Show That 32.38 % Of The Respondents Of The Filed Survey Were Responded That, Drivers And Common People Don t Obey Traffic Rules, Due Lack Of Awareness About Traffic Rules In Kabul.

4.

According To The Study Result 15.24% Of The Respondents Of The Filed Survey Were Showed That Government Employees (Ministers, Parliamentarians, Directors, And All Those Who Enjoy The Top Ranking Of Government Employee) Are The Frequent Of Traffic Law Breakers.

5.

I Found That 51.43% Of The Filed Survey Respondents Were Response They Have Seen Some Police Stopping Drivers Who Don t Obeying Traffic Rules, To Bribery Them.

6.

44.76% Of The Filed Survey Respondents Were Responded That Police Punish The Drivers Which Break The Law.

7.

According To The Study Result That 44.95% Of Filed Survey Respondents Were Believed That Flyovers And Subway Will Be Helpful In The Reduction Of Traffic Problem In Kabul City.

8.

The Study Result Showed That 42.86% Of Respondents Of The Filed Survey Showed That Very Few People Use The Foot Over Bridge Or Subway Where It Is Provided.

9.

I Found That, 32.4 % Of The

Respondents Were Responded That Due To Inappropriate Locations Of Over Foot Bridge Or Subway People Don t Use Its.

10.

According To The Study Result That %57.41 Of The Respondents Of The Filed Survey Were Showed That They Were More Satisfied From The Private Taxi System.

11.

31% Of The Respondents Of The Filed Survey Were Showed That Street Vendors/Cart Vendors Working On Road Sides Because There Is No Regulation.

12.

The Study Result Show That 41.9% Of Respondents Of The Filed Survey Showed That Very Few Parking Spaces Inadequate In Kabul City.


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13.

I Found That 36.19% Of The Respondents Of The Field Survey Were Response That They Were Don t Know That Locations Of Workshops And Factories In Central Part Of Kabul City, Will Create Traffic Problem.

5.1.1.

Taxi drivers 1.

According To The Study Result That 36.19% Of The Drivers Respondents Showed That They Were Driving From 5-10 Years In Kabul City.

2.

The Study Result Showed That 61.90% Of Drivers Respondents of Filed Survey Have Traffic Licenses and Police Were Ask Them about Driving License, For Some time.

3.

According The Study That 60.90% Of The Drivers Respondents Of Filed Survey Were Got Driving Licenses After Giving Proper Driving Test.

4.

66.67% Of the Driver s Respondents of Thee Filed Survey Were the Owner of the Vehicles, In Kabul City.

5.

The Study Result Shows That 42.86% Of The Drivers Respondents Were Claimed That Their Cars Are Registered With (KPTD).

6.

The Result Show That, 43.81% Of The Drivers Respondents Show That The General Feeling About Taxi Drivers And Other Drivers They Are Don t Obeying Traffic Rules Are Mostly True.

7.

I found that

8.

According To The Study Result That, 33.33 % Of The Driver Respondents Of The Filed Survey Were Believed That Very Few Illegal Cars/ Taxies Without Registration Or License In Kabul City.

9.

The Study Result Show That, 63% Of The Drivers Respondents Were Believed That, Yes Flyovers And Basement Will Be Helpful In Reduction Of Traffic Problem. While 35.4% Of 63% Of The Drivers Respondents Were Response That Flyovers And Basement Will Be Necessary In DAAFGHAN, It Will Be Helpful In Reduction Of Traffic Problem Of That Area.

10.

22.86% Of The Drivers Respondents Of The Field Survey Were Showed That Drivers Not Follow Lane On Roads, Because They Were Not Aware Of Traffic Rule And Regulations.

11.

According To The Study Result That, 40% Of The Drivers Respondents Of The Field Survey Showed That They Were Park Their Cars/ Taxies Any Where Due Lack Of Specified Areas In City.

5.1.2.

Traffic police:


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1.

I Found That 34.28% Of The Police Respondents Of Filed Survey Were Response That, Major Reason For Traffic Problem In Kabul City Is Too Many Vehicles.

2.

According To The Study Result That, 32.38% Of The Police Respondents Of The Field Survey Were Showed That Inadequate Police Force Is The Problem Of Traffic Police.

3.

The Result Show That, 35.24%Of The Police Respondents Of The Filed Survey Were Showed That On Average Booked, 6-8 Cars Traffic Violators In A Day.

4.

According To The Study Result That, 52.38% Of The Police Respondents Of The Filed Survey Were Response That They Will Fine All Those Who Are Violates The Traffic Rules And Regulation In Kabul City.

5.

The Result Show That, 19.05%, Of The Police Respondents Of The Filed Survey Showed That, They Will Avoid Traffic Problem In Kabul, To Book Illegal Cars And Construct More Traffic Signals.

6.

I Found That, 36.19% Of Police Respondents Of The Filed Survey Showed That, Government Employee (Ministers, Parliamentarians, Directors, And All Those Who Enjoy The Top Ranking Of Government Employee) Are The Frequent Violators Of Traffic Rules.

5.2.

CONCLUSION:

From our field study I come to the conclusion that vehicles traffic problem are critical one and it s going outrageous day by day. Because there will be different reasons, factors, and stakeholders which play various types of role in different occasion. A vital factor which strengthens the problem is overcrowded population growth rate and private cars system. One important reasons behind the problem that majority of the stakeholders and especially drivers and common people have poor sense of traffic rules. That s why a problem threats to both key actors. The study has shown that traffic problem serious causes never would be ignored, such as:

o Too many roads blocks/checkpoints

o Inadequate road networks o Lack of traffic sense among road users o Insufficient public transport services (Mille buses)

o Illegal parking and cart vendors and foot path encroachment.

All police interviewees in this study complained about the government employees (ministers, parliamentarians, and those enjoy the top management of Afghanistan government are frequent traffic law breakers. A police interviewee complained that he can t do to implement rules because some of government employees were threatens him


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for so many times but they have authority to punish all those, which violate the law. Some of them were punish all those who violate the traffic rules in Kabul city. The study has shown that flyover and subways in congested locations of Kabul city will prove helpful in the reduction of traffic problem of Kabul city. While study will point out some congested location of Kabul city, for the construction of flyovers and subways, but it necessary to keep some important points regarding the construction of flyovers and subway will be in appropriate location, not too much high, and it will be safe so it is possible to reduce the traffic problem to some extent. Because the existed flyovers and subways will not use due to its inappropriate location and poor engineering design of the foot over bridges and flyovers. The study has also shown that street and cart vendors working on road sides create traffic problems, because there will no regulation and lack of specified consumers markets in Kabul city. Workshop and factories may create traffic problem in central Kabul. Majority of the drivers are driving from 5-10 years here in Kabul city and they have traffic license and traffic police asked them many times about traffic license. Some of them were getting their license by influence and by bribery, while majority of them were getting their license by giving through proper test. More of the drivers were have their owned cars. And they were claimed that their cars are registered with Kabul traffic police department. The general feeling about taxi and other driver are mostly true that they will don t follow traffic rules and regulation in Kabul city.

More drivers were believed there will be very few illegal cars in Kabul city. Flyovers in Da-Afghanan will be reducing the traffic problem of that area. So it is necessary to construct a flyover in Da-Afghanan. Due to lack of traffic sense among drivers, majority of the drivers don t follow right lanes. Drivers park their car anywhere because there were no specified cars parking area. The study has shown that major cause of traffic problem is too many vehicles. And least numbers of train police are the major problem of Kabul police traffic department. Most of the police were claimed that they were booked 6-8 cars in a day, who break the traffic rules. The study has shown, that all illegal cars were needed

to seize and booked. And those who enjoying, the top ranking government employment were more violators of the rules and they will creates too many traffic problem for both traffic department and traffic police.


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6.

Recommendations

Based on the survey findings of vehicles traffic problem of Kabul city the following recommendation made by the researcher:

1.

KTPD need to craft effective strategy for the control of all illegal, unregistered & unlicensed cars throughout Kabul city. And remove unnecessary check points/ blocks in city.

2.

one reason behind this worse problem is lack of awareness about traffic rules among drivers and common people, so government need to motivate members of Kabul community through different sources i.e. news paper, television, etc, to obey traffic rules.

3.

KPTD and road police were complained about the government employees (parliamentarians, ministers, relative of ministers, directors etc) are more frequent violators of rules. So government employees will need to cooperate, traffic police in sense to follow traffic rules.

4.

Flyovers and subway are helpful in reduction of traffic problem, so it will to be in appropriate location, because very few people use it and more people do not use due in appropriate locations and poor engineering system.

5.

More people were satisfied from the private cars system, due it easy availability in bus stops and other facilities. So government will need to launch new and will equip transportation system in city. So it will discourage the private cars system in city, which will be proving helpful in the reduction of traffic problem.

6.

Very few cars parking in city of Kabul compel the drivers to park their cars anywhere. So it necessary for government to construct suitable cars parking in suitable places of Kabul city.

7.

Inadequate traffic police were also one reason to control the congested traffic system of Kabul city, so KTPD need to hire news police for the control of congested traffic problem in Kabul city.

8.

To rebuild as well build new traffic signals throughout city Kabul.

9.

KPTD need to design new reward system, for all those who break the traffic rules in Kabul city.

10.

Ministry of urban development need to regulate law for cart and street vendors in Kabul city.

11.

Poor urban development need to be re-designing it international level.

12.

To facilitate the work in progress on roads network, and construct all roads in important part of the Kabul city.


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7.

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR THE DATA COLLECTIO ON THE TOPIC VEHICLES TRAFFIC PROBLEM IN KABUL AFGHANISTAN

PART-1

1.

Identification

i.

Name:________________________________

ii.

Native province:______________________

iii.

Age:____

iv.

Gender: male/ female

v.

Type: Taxi Driver(1)/Car owners(2)/Traffic Police(3)/pedestrians(4)/

2.

Since how long have you been living in Kabul (Year)?

3.

What kind of traffic problem you face?

a)

Delay in reaching the destination

b)

Poor and inadequate public (Mille) transport

c)

Overcrowded private transport

d)

Poor quality of roads

e)

Frequent traffic jam


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6. Which of the following is the most serious cause for the vehicle traffic problem in Kabul (Give rank)?

a)

Inability to control traffic movement

b)

Too many road blocks/check points

c)

Inadequate road network

d)

Lack of traffic sense among road users

e)

Insufficient public transport services

f)

Too many vehicles

g)

Illegal parking and cart vendors and foot path encroachment

h)

All of the above

7. Why do you think that drivers and common people don t obey traffic law?

a)

Lack of awareness about traffic rules

b)

Lack of regulation by police to observe traffic laws

c)

Corruption of traffic police

d)

Non provision for lane crossing, signals etc

e)

Any other (specify)

f)

All above

8. Who do you think are the frequent of traffic law breakers (Rank)?


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a)

Government employee

b)

ISAF forces

c)

Common people

d)

Taxi Drivers

e)

Truck drivers

f)

Private car owners

g)

Police

h)

Others(specify)

9. Have you seen any police stopping drivers who don t obeying traffic rules?

a)

No

b)

Saw but let off on bribery

10. How does a police treat drivers which break the law?

a)

Punish them

b)

Take Bribery

c)

Can t control them

d)

Just Warning them

11. Do you believe that flyover and sub-way will be helpful in reduction of traffic problem?

a)

Yes

b)

No

c)

Don t know

11. Do people use the foot over bridge or subway where it is provided?

a)

Most people

b)

Some people

c)

Very few

survey report of causes of vehicles traffic problem in kabul afghanistan

Documents