The governmental and social field of force in traffic and transportation is changing a lot. The VERDI covenant, which was introduced in the Netherlands in 1996, was the beginning of a decentralisation of roles and responsibilities. It promises an important role for the provincial government. The rapidly changing governmental constellation asks for a review of provincial policy, which is best noticeable by looking at the provincial traffic and transportation plans (PVVP's). The PVVP's change from programme-orientated plans into process-orientated plans. The plans are no longer a technical and one-dimensional translation of national goals, but become more and more the structuring of a process. The provincial governments become initiators and directors of that process. Although their role is still rather new to them, they are on the right path. The interest of the provincial government's position is getting stronger because of the financial instruments. The provincial government, together with the 'kaderwetgebieden' (city provinces) have control over the 'GDU' funds. They are responsible for the choices made in spending the money on certain projects. The growth of the funds and the possibility for introducing new regional mobility funds will only strengthen the interest of the provincial government. It all points to one thing: Provincial government has the future! (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD E206647.
Abstract