THE CHANGING TRANSPORT AGENDA

The author suggests that current trends in the UK transport policy are unsustainable in social, physical, economic and environmental terms. The background to the development of this policy is examined. The government claims to be pro-rail but reduces resources for rail whilst adding U2.8 billion for M25 London orbital motorway widening to the already substantial roads programme. There is evidence to show that all road construction policies differ only in the time taken to delay worsening congestion. Statistics indicate that more time and money is being spent largely to do the same things less efficiently than in the past. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide required by legislation cannot be achieved by technical solutions without also tackling traffic volume and growth. Fiscal measures to improve fuel efficiency and the enhancement of public transport to reduce car use are now being proposed by many organisations and environmental benefits often have an economic value. A choice may have to be made between ethical behaviour and costs. Questions of social justice within transport need an understanding of human rights, not attempts to cost and trade them in.