Improving traffic management and reducing congestion in the municipality of Hebron: an integrated engineering approach and data governance for sustainable development

Abstract

Traffic congestion is a global challenge, and it is exacerbated in Palestinian cities such as Hebron due to rapid population and urban growth and a lack of strategic planning. This paper aims to explore and analyze the root causes of the traffic crisis in the municipality of Hebron, with a particular focus on the poor utilization of available traffic data and structural and administrative complexities within the organisational structure of the municipality of Hebron. Through an exploration, descriptive, and analytical methodology based on field observations, semi-structured interviews with municipal officials, and analysis of the existing organisational structure, the paper presents an integrated engineering and administrative framework. This framework includes a proposal to establish a traffic data governance committee, develop a centralised traffic information system (GIS-based), and formulate a comprehensive traffic plan, with an emphasis on improving effective coordination between the relevant departments. The recommendations aim to enable the Municipality of Hebron to make informed, data-driven engineering decisions, contributing to sustainable traffic flow and enhancing the quality of life in the city.