The extent to which transport authorities are able to successfully implement sustainable transport policies varies considerably from one urban area to another. While much research has been carried out to assess differences in policy outputs and outcomes, relatively little effort has gone into examining the processes of policy formulation, scheme development and implementation, and the factors that contribute to success or failure. Two general aspects are of interest here, with particular regard to barriers that can delay or prevent progress: the project planning and management process (from project formulation, through planning, design and implementation); and the process and role of stakeholder engagement. These issues are being addressed in a European Commission funded study called GUIDEMAPS (Gaining Understanding of Improved Decision Making And Participation Strategies), as part of the CIVITAS Programme. The principle aim of GUIDEMAPS is to identify procedures and tools to improve policy decision-making and achieve sustainable mobility throughout the European Union, by overcoming barriers and delivering better policy outcomes. The key findings of the study are discussed in relation to the decision-making process, the participation process, and barriers and factors influencing success. For the covering abstract see ITRD E126595.
Abstract