Econmomy impact of vehicular traffic on public health in selected junctions in port harcourt

This study employed field monitoring research surveys in data collection and acquisition. Suitable multi-gas and noise monitoring instruments were used to obtained air pollutants and noise data at selected junctions, also questionnaires were distributed to drivers, traffic wardens, petty traders and individuals residing near junctions and the hypothesis analyze with a non-parametric tool known as chi square. Result from the analysis of research questions and hypothesis indicates that, factors that affect vehicle traffic on junction are; traffic light, broken down vehicles on the road, wrong parking, driving against traffic, road works and surface. Nature of traffic control in most junctions are traffic warden, traffic light, lane parking and park restriction. The period of the day when vehicular traffic is more visible at the junction are between 8:00am- 10:00am; 12:00noon – 2:00pm; 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 4:00pm – 8:00pm. The conditions of vehicles that fly most junction are smoky and non- smoky vehicles. Effect of vehicular traffic on public health includes climate change, air pollution, noise pollution, disease, congestion and vibration. The protection of the human health should therefore be a major issue of concern to the transportation industry today and the State and Local governments should enforce existing laws on vehicle inspection.