MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY: SOCIAL ISSUES IN ROAD AND TRANSPORT PLANNING

This paper addresses social issues in road and transport planning to assist transport authorities to be better prepared for, and able to respond to, the community of the future. Social issues are defined widely to include those matters which are features of community as well as impacts on community. The importance of social and ecological responsibility in transport decision making is underlined. Present social trends are described as a basis for establishing a picture of the society of the future, acknowledging unforeseeable phenomena. One vision of the future is offered which expresses the realisation of some important social objectives. The range of social factors currently considered is noted, but it is argued that these could be extended and addressed with more vigour. Key among issues needing more attention are community values (as expressed in social indicators) and the causes and influence of stress attributable to the transport system. The paper concludes by identifying some ways in which transport authorities can prepare themselves to respond better to the needs of the future community. (a)