ROADSIDE TRADING, TRAFFIC CONGESTION, AND ACCIDENT RISK IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS: A SURVEY-BASED HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF INFORMAL MARKETS

This study examined the relationship between roadside trading, traffic congestion, and perceived accident risk in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. Roadside trading has become a dominant informal economic activity along major roads, intersections, and pedestrian corridors in the metropolis, raising concerns about urban mobility and road safety. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, using a structured questionnaire administered to 400 respondents, with 377 valid responses analysed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including Chi-square and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that roadside trading is highly prevalent and significantly contributes to obstruction of road space, reduced traffic flow efficiency, and increased exposure of road users to hazardous conditions. Respondents indicated strong agreement that traders occupy pedestrian walkways and road shoulders, leading to congestion and unsafe pedestrian movement. Chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between roadside trading and traffic congestion (χ² = 42.63, p < 0.05), confirming that informal trading activities disrupt urban transport flow. Regression analysis further revealed that roadside trading significantly predicts perceived accident risk (R² = 0.582, β = 0.471, p < 0.05), indicating that 58.2% of the variation in accident vulnerability is explained by roadside trading activities. Correlation analysis also showed a strong positive relationship between roadside trading and accident risk (R = 0.763). These findings suggest that increased trading intensity along road corridors contributes to unsafe traffic interactions, pedestrian exposure, and congestion-related hazards. The study concludes that roadside trading constitutes a major urban safety and mobility challenge in Port Harcourt Metropolis. It recommends strict enforcement of urban and traffic regulations, relocation of traders to designated markets, improved urban planning, and sustained public safety awareness campaigns to reduce congestion and enhance road safety.