A conceptual model has been formulated to define the concept of acceptance and related concepts. A survey consisting of a representative sample of the Dutch population has been carried out in order to determine the acceptance of the Transport Structure Plan (SVV). The results indicate that the Dutch population in general is willing to accept the objectives and measures of the transport policy. But there is one important exception. There is a negative evaluation of measures which cause price increases and from which people don't expect any benefits for transport provisions. Examples of these measures are: (i) increasing petrol prices; and (ii) parking fares. This lack of acceptance can present difficulties, because the policy plan assumes that this kind of measure has a large effect on the car use. The results also indicate a number of means to increase the acceptance of the measures. Examples of these means are: (1) improving the objectives and effects of the measures; and (2) presenting packages of measures containing both attractive and less attractive measures instead of presenting measures separately. (A)
Abstract