TABLE OF CONTENTS Transport planners and engineers have witnessed a major shift in Government policy towards surface transport since 1995. PPG 13, while setting out the new stand on transport planning issues, is surely not the Government's last word on the subject.
More fundamentally, the Government Panel on Sustainable Development recognises 'the Government's wish for a broad national debate on the subject followed by a thorough and measured response'. The Government report on road pricing, published in Summer 2004, is moving this debate forward.
Some of the opportunities available for enabling the sustainable development process are:
local employment and shopping opportunities;
walkway and cycleway networks;
roads designed to deter short-distance journeys by car;
public transport improvements;
creation of a car-free culture;
telematics applications.
If employment and shopping opportunities are available close to residential areas then there is an increased likelihood of journeys being contained within the immediate area. This will encourage short-distance journeys. If a network of walkways and cycleways is provided then these short-distance journeys are more likely to be made on foot or by cycle.
In a new housing development much can be done to aid journeys by foot or cycle if the road layout discourages short-distance journeys by car within the development area and to the local centre.
Public transport improvements and locations of developments at nodes well geared by public transport will encourage a higher usage of public transport services. If linked with demand management...
