1.1.1.2. Distribution of Roads in the World

The road network is not evenly spread throughout the world; the density of roads is not the same everywhere nor is there any system of distribution of roads between small towns and cities. City roads suffer from chronic traffic congestion. There are peaks (high points) and troughs (low points) of traffic flow between certain hours of the day. It is estimated that total length of roads in the world is three crore nine lakh km. Out of this only 1.5 crore km roads can be used in all seasons. The North American continent alone has 35 per cent of world's good roads. The economically and industrially advanced countries have generally a good road network whereas developing and poor countries cannot cope with the demands of traffic. The United States of America has also highest road density.

Having consideration for safety on roads, many theories of transportation or traffic-flows have been put forward. These seek to describe in a precise mathematical way the interactions among vehicles, drivers, and the infrastructure. It has been found that there is some kind of relationship between these elements which if studied properly could help in planning, design, and operations of roadway facilities. Particular attention is paid in respect of flow, density and velocity. In most cities of the world there is chronic traffic congestion. Many suggestions have been made for urban transport solutions. Among these suggestions include:

(i) Higher Parking Fee

(ii) Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

(iii) Improved Public Bus Service

(iv) Expressways / Toll Roads