This paper looks at the complicated administrative structure in France, divided into 36,763 communes with a variety of inter-communal networks, 100 departements, and 22 regions: and discusses the impact of this on policy for pedestrian mobility. Urban development, traffic safety and transport research are handled at state level. Decentralisation laws gave more decision-making capacity to local administrations. The state government finances major programmes to improve certain problem situations, including road safety. Values underlying action in cities include road sharing, favouring two-wheeled vehicles, reducing pollution and improving quality of public spaces. The land use plan and urban travel plan are used to guide development and organise road networks. Stakeholders in planning include governing authorities, technicians and architects, and networks for co-operation remain diverse. National associations representing interest groups can promote interventions. Obstacles to innovation include lack of central finance and continuing reliance on private car transport. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118896.
Samenvatting