UK Transport Policy 1997-2001

Abstract

The 1997 government announced policies and changes in administration, but the statistics show that little else was achieved. Road-traffic growth was temporarily tamed by an increase in the price of fuel, which integrated policies on transport, environment, and land-use. This was not sustained, so there will be more congestion, and more road capacity must be provided. A coherent policy on charges was absent, though congestion charging will help if eventually implemented. Little freight was transferred to rail. Neither 'integration' nor 'social inclusion' was improved. London became less integrated and policy on the Underground was a failure. Administration of the railways remains confused. There are doubts about the technical, managerial, and financial feasibility of the expansion envisaged. The bus was given inadequate attention. The Treasury dominates through the public-spending control process, which fetters local authorities and impedes infrastructure investment. Proven borrowing mechanisms offer alternatives for locally accountable capital financing. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.

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