This paper identifies key issues for transport policy over the medium and longer terms, and reviews progress to date towards developing more sustainable transport policies. It follows the ECMT's Comprehensive Resolution on Transport and the Environment in 1989, and other recommendations and resolutions agreed since then. The key issues are: (1) accident reduction; (2) wealth creation; (3) access; (4) traffic growth; (5) intimidation of vulnerable road users by vehicles; (6) impacts on landscapes and biodiversity; (7) noise; (8) carbon dioxide emissions; (9) air quality; and (10) inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations. Progress is reported in vehicle emissions controls, reducing greenhouse gas emission, improved efficiency and traffic management, infrastructure investments, and UN and EU transport and environment policy statements. Specific policy objectives are presented for improving efficiency, relieving congestion, urban travel, and reducing emissions, air pollution, noise, and environmental impacts of investments. Improved methods are needed for evaluating transport policies and projects, including the use of good cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and strategic environmental assessment. Finally, methods of implementing policies and an enhanced role for transport ministers are discussed.
Abstract