Abstract
The growing social pressures resulting from transport from transport (in terms of environmental degradation, noise annoyance, accidents and congestion) have led to a large body of literature on the external costs of transport. The extensive research efforts however, have not yet been able to initiate the political response that is often hoped for with the publication of the research findings. Apart from an apparent lack of political priority (or perhaps courage) to engage in more stringent environmental policies regarding transport, a number of factors contribute to the fact of many of the policy recommendations not being followed.