In this chapter the author considers the direct effect of increased road traffic on children's lives and underlying causes of the situation and suggests some improvements to transport policy which would be more pro-child. It is suggested that although children make up a substantial proportion of the population, their interests are inadequately represented. A Children's Rights Commissioner is recommended who could examine traffic and other policies from the perspective of children. Examples of similar institutions in various countries are given. Elements of a pro-child transport policy would include less assumptions that children were to blame for accidents and action to remove the fear of accidents. Greater weight should be given to traffic calming and driver education programmes. A pro-child transport policy would in particular favour journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport.
Abstract