Policy Review Section

Abstract

In this issue of the Policy Review Section, Barbara Tilson of Praxis Research Consultants argues that despite the constraints and deficiencies of the existing UK waterways network, limited potential may exist for expanded use of the waterways for freight carriage both in the domestic market and for trade with Europe. She indicates what policy and planning measures, organizational change and improved technology for goods handling at wharves would be necessary to facilitate such an expansion. In the second article, Tony Jackson of the School of Town and Regional Planning, University of Dundee, examines the reasons behind the somewhat anomalous decision of the Secretary of State for Scotland not to proceed down the route of privatization of the system of public support for ferry services on the West coast of Scotland. He argues the decision reflects the improved operating performance of the ferry company, Caledonian MacBrayne, and the evident wider social and economic benefits to the islands arising from public subsidy to the ferry network. In the final article, Kevin Thomas of Leeds Metropolitan University, and Stephen Kimberley of Humberside County Council, present a review and critique of the Regional Planning Guidance process which was initiated in 1989. The significance of this exercise has to be seen against the background of the completion of the metropolitan district unitary development plans, thus bringing to an end one of the largest programmes of plan production and revision ever seen in England and, according to some commentators, an apparent rediscovery of the virtues of plan making by Central Government.