Road Accident Risk Analysis in Portsmouth: Project Overview

This project focuses on the analysis and mapping of road accident risks in Portsmouth, aiming to identify areas with a higher likelihood of accidents. By leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and various spatial analysis techniques, the project utilises multiple datasets to understand accident patterns and contribute to enhanced urban planning and safety measures.

ObjectiveThe primary objective was to assess road accident hotspots in Portsmouth using spatial data and analysis. The analysis aimed to identify high-risk zones, providing valuable insights for local authorities to prioritise safety interventions.

Data Sources and MethodologyThe project utilised several key datasets:

1. Road Network – Provided the foundation for identifying the primary roadways in Portsmouth.

2. Accident Data – Data on road accidents from historical records, including accident severity and locations.

3. Population Density – Used to understand the relationship between population clusters and accident frequency.

4. Land Use – Analysis of land use patterns to determine areas with higher traffic volume, such as commercial or residential zones.

5. Environmental Factors – Considered road conditions and elevation changes to assess their role in accident risk.

Spatial Analysis TechniquesSeveral GIS techniques were employed to assess risk:

• Hotspot Analysis: A spatial cluster analysis method to identify accident hotspots.

• Proximity Analysis: Examining the distance between accidents and key features like schools, intersections, and shopping areas.

• Kernel Density Estimation (KDE): Used to create a smooth representation of accident density across the region.

Results and FindingsThe analysis revealed several key trends:

• High accident frequencies were clustered near major intersections and densely populated areas.

• Areas with significant commercial and industrial activities showed a higher accident risk.

• Environmental factors, such as road gradients and visibility, also contributed to accident hotspots.

Conclusion and RecommendationsThe road accident risk map for Portsmouth provides a comprehensive overview of accident-prone areas, highlighting regions that require targeted safety measures. Based on the findings, it is recommended that local authorities focus on improving road infrastructure, such as better signage and lighting, in high-risk areas. Additionally, further analysis should explore the impact of weather conditions and time of day on accident frequency.