This paper sets out the challenges we will face over the next 20 to 30 years, in company with other developed nations, in providing opportunities to travel, as the economy grows, while taking account of the impact on the environment. It is clear that we cannot continue to try to build our way out of all the problems we face. Instead, we should seek to make far better use of the capacity available. We must also take advantage of technology as it becomes available. Both infrastructure improvements and technological change take time. We are looking over a long period, but we need to prepare now to ensure that we secure the future benefits we need. Car ownership is increasing and people are now travelling further, both for employment and leisure, often influenced by 1980-90s "out-of-town" land use development policies. The Government is investing heavily in public transport and promoting sustainable communities, mixed use of development and social inclusion. But many of these measures have long lead times, and in the meantime we project traffic growth of 20-25% by 2010. Managing this demand increase effectively will be crucial. (Author/publisher)
Abstract