The German Research Institute for Roads and Traffic has suggested that traffic planning requires the input of goals and concepts which depend on underlying values and interests rather than relying on technical and scientific principles. It is politicians who thus take decisions on influencing traffic development and they in turn are under the control of various power structures. In considering the promotion of green modes the author analyses the structures and activities of participating groups in the decision-making process including the federal and state ministries, local municipalities, alliances and political parties and citizen initiatives and associations. Details are given of attitudes and trends over the last two decades and examples given from various towns and cities in Germany. The author concludes that the situation is confusingly stratified with efficient structures and the political will for change lacking. Several surveys show citizens to be in favour of an environmentally compatible transport policy but politicians and administrators are confused.
Abstract