This article reviews evidence of travel suppression by fear for personal safety and considers means of alleviating such fears. Several recent surveys in UK cities have shown that fear for personal safety is a major factor influencing travel behaviour. Fears of physical attack or harassment when travelling are greatest among vulnerable groups for travel in darkness in inner city locations. However, the effect is by no means restricted to these people, locations and conditions. The paper firstly reviews the evidence from empirical studies of perceived safety, focusing particularly on the consequences of this apprehension for travel choices. Differences between people, locations and modes of travel are examined. Four major responses to these problems are then identified. The nature of each and its current level of application in the UK and elsewhere is described. The likely effectiveness of each and the implications for transport policy are discussed.
Samenvatting