ACCESSIBILITY: REVIEW OF MEASURING TECHNIQUES AND THEIR APPLICATION

Integrated transport policy aims to improve travel choices; and accessibility measurements have the potential to provide an indicator of whether these aims are being achieved. Accessibility measures seek to define the level of opportunity and choice taking account of both the existence of opportunities, and the transport options available to reach them. Good accessibility as a transport objective also carries very broad support from every strand of opinion within society. There are therefore very practical advantages in demonstrating the effects of transport projects and plans in terms of accessibility. This project considers the need for accessibility analysis in land use and transport appraisal, summarises current practice for such analysis in Scotland, demonstrates the use of such techniques through case studies, and suggests how guidance could widen the use of these techniques. Current land use and transport appraisal requirements require accessibility to be considered: (a) to local facilities by walking and cycling; (b) to public transport services; (c) to opportunities such as jobs, education, shops etc; (d) as ratios comparing accessibility for different mobility groups; (e) for the planning of freight transport. To identify the use of, and views on, accessibility analysis in Scotland, surveys were undertaken of 29 relevant organisations to obtain a representative range of views. (A)