This paper is an effort to give a systematic inventory of possible policies for the alleviation of congestion. These are interpreted roughly in sociological terms to indicate the underlying basic policy alternatives. Social impact assessment has a tradition of more than 15 years in transport planning. Its approaches are briefly discussed on the basis of government manuals from different countries and its shortcomings are indicated. Finally, the role social aspects and assessments should play in comprehensive operations to alleviate traffic congestion in acceptable ways is sketched. The possible contribution of mitigating measures and information to public acceptance of these operations is considered. Japanese Ministry of Construction and OECD/Road Transport Research Programme held the seminar on "future road transport systems and infrastructures in urban areas" in Chiba, Japan on 4th - 6th june 1991 sponsored by the Japanese organizing committee.
Abstract