TGRG page: a new deal for transport? The UK's struggle with the sustainable transport agenda

This multi-authored book provides an assessment on the UK Government's record on transport. While the Government's intent to promote sustainable transport is welcomed, desirable policy outcomes have proven minimal. Car use has continued to increase, large-scale road building has crept up the political agenda, road user charging is absent for most of the country, and the further expansion of rail travel is under threat and a large increase in airport capacity is likely. It is suggested that bringing about major changes in the transport sector is a long-term business but that new and substantially improved bus and train fleets, additional cycle paths and improved pedestrian access could have been achieved and a start made on larger projects. The politics of why sustainable transport has not been promoted more actively by the government are considered. Other topics considered include: devolution and sustainable transport; local transport planning, road and traffic congestion policies; the role of rail bound transport; the bus industry; walking, cycling and accessibility; and air transport policy.