Interactive allocation of mobile photo enforcement resources with multiple program objectives. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Yang; Kim, Amy; El-Basyouny, Karim
• Is Part Of: Sustainable cities and society. Volume 48(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Mobile photo enforcement -- Resource allocation -- Multi-objective linear programming -- Geographic information system; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Sustainable buildings -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 307.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2019.101572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6707

Abstract

Highlights: Data-driven model for mapping road safety goals to photo radar placement decisions. Multi-objective programming with neighborhood-level urban safety performance metrics. Optimal allocation solutions set considering multiple objectives simultaneously. Abstract: Managers of mobile photo enforcement (MPE) programs must account for several road safety goals when deploying operators. However, there is no MPE design structure to systematically connect deployment decisions back to preset goals. We propose a method to aid MPE managers in using goals directly in the efficient allocation of limited program resources. A neighborhood-level resource allocation model is developed, which uses multi-objective optimization to determine how enforcement is allocated to city neighborhoods. The model is applied to an MPE program in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and delivered 200 optimal solutions for one month. One illustrative solution is plotted in GIS and assessed alongside the actual program deployment results for the same month. This solution efficiently allocates one month of operator shifts to sites in 44 neighborhoods, based on the specific needs of each neighborhood. The actual MPE deployment was such that 60% of visits occurred in neighborhoods beyond the 44 identified in the illustrative optimal solution. The major contribution of our model is that it allows for MPE managers to quantitatively map performance outcomes to multiple program goals. This can lead to more transparent and efficient MPE programs, which in turn can improve urban road safety and ultimately, urban sustainability.