Environmental Studies of Ekeberg/Gamle Oslo 1994. Main Results from the Survey

The study area, Ekeberg/Gamle Oslo, is an urban area centrally located in Oslo. The construction of new main roads in tunnels is expected to relieve the area of some of the negative environmental impacts caused by large traffic volumes. Several before and after studies serve to describe the changes. This report presents the main results from a survey undertaken in 1994 among 1078 residents. People in this area appreciate the closeness to the city centre and easy access to parks and other open spaces. Though the traffic has decreased since 1987, the traffic situation is still the main source of discontent. Many people are highly annoyed by road traffic, noise and pollution and these problems affect their daily life. Peoples subjective opinions clearly match the actual level of road traffic they are exposed to. The residents have several suggestions for improvement of the town area. The most important measure is to reduce traffic further through restrictions, street closures and speed reducing measures. Also urban rehabilitation and improvement of open spaces are among the suggestions.