Abstract
This paper seeks to show that there is an absolute need for creativity in the selection of alternative courses of action in transport planning. Drawing upon the techniques of creative thinking developed by Edward de Bono, the paper will show why creativity is needed and how all transport planners can improve their skills in Lateral Thinking. The paper will outline some fundamental ideas, and some myths, about creativity and describe three major techniques in creative thinking, namely the concept fan, random inputs, and the use of provocation. It will describe why and how these techniques work, and will then demonstrate their use in a range of transport planning applications. (a).