Transport policy: a call for clarity, consistency and commitment

This paper sets the scene for the papers in this special issue devoted to transport policy. It reflects the emergence of a new co-ordinated approach to transport planning. It outlines a structure within which each of the papers reviews policy objectives, the policy-making process of policy implementation. It then reviews the coverage of the papers under each of these headings. It concludes that, while recent government documents offer a basis for co-ordinated planning, there are still major barriers to the implementation of integrated strategies. It argues for a clear statement of national and regional transport policy, a consistent treatment of the policy measures which are available and a firm commitment to providing both the powers and the finance to implement them.