Transport Planning: Vision and Practice.

Abstract

The author provides a systematic and detailed critique of the contemporary practice of transport planning in this 3-part book. Part (1) presents an overall view of transport planning, while it examines the belief that a high level of mobility is the aspiration of all people, it relates this belief to general theories of progress and economic development. The relation between mobility transition and urban transition is examined together with transport problems in London. The provision of the energy necessary to achieve the planned levels of mobility is discussed, as is the paradox that improved methods of transport and communications are widening the gap between rich and poor. Attention is drawn to the importance of road accidents as a cause of death in countries with a high level of car ownership. Part (2) is devoted to methods and practices of transport planners in Britain: the policy environment, role of traffic forecast in transport planning, and economic assessment procedures used in transport planning decisions. Part (3) explores the rationalization rituals of pro-growth transport planning. (TRRL)