Policy Press

The Transport Debate

By Jon Shaw and Iain Docherty

Published

Jan 7, 2014

Page count

264 pages

Browse the series

Policy and Politics in the Twenty-First Century

ISBN

978-1847428561

Dimensions

198 x 129 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 7, 2014

Page count

264 pages

Browse the series

Policy and Politics in the Twenty-First Century

ISBN

978-1447301943

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 7, 2014

Page count

264 pages

Browse the series

Policy and Politics in the Twenty-First Century

ISBN

978-1447302605

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
The Transport Debate

At a time when transport is high on the political agenda and government decision-making is being vigorously scrutinised, there is a need for an incisive and accessible analysis of the key policy issues. This book is a highly readable introduction to the transport debate from two experts in the field. The authors celebrate the advantages of a modern transport system, but argue that years of poorly conceived and executed transport policy have resulted in Britain’s transport system being far worse than it should be. They show that a substandard transport system creates economic, social and environmental costs, but demonstrate how these can be addressed through affordable and politically deliverable changes.

Using a refreshingly novel approach, Shaw and Docherty use the familiar idea of the journey as the basis for their discussion. The book follows members of the Smith family as they uncover a wide array of transport issues, including why the problems we all encounter as we travel around actually come about; which policy trade-offs were responsible for creating them in the first place; what impacts we all have to suffer as a result; and what we can do to fix them. This lively and engaging approach will make the book ideal for a wide readership.

Jon Shaw is Professor and Head of Geography at Plymouth University. He was Associate Editor of the Journal of Transport Geography and has advised numerous bodies including the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.

Iain Docherty is Head of Management and Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Glasgow. He was a non-executive director of Transport Scotland and has advised a range of institutions in the UK, the US, Canada and Sweden.

Preface: Michael Hill;

Introduction: preparing for departure;

The Commute;

The School Run;

The Business Trip;

The Family Visit;

The Summer Holiday;

Conclusions: sorry for the inconvenience caused.