By removing one direction of traffic from a network, the risk of crashes can be reduced.

This can be achieved through a reduction in conflict points at intersections, and may make pedestrian crossing movements easier with more orderly gaps in traffic.

One-way traffic systems are often used to replace ‘grid’ street patterns to:

• reduce congestion problems in city centres
• create access-only streets (usually for access to residential uses).

However, drivers may become used to the lack of opposing traffic and increase their speed. Also, one-way networks can be confusing for non-locals and increase travel distances.