A Framework for the Appraisal of Sustainability in Transport

This report describes the first stage of a project seeking to develop an improved methodology for capturing and assessing the sustainability of decisions about, or decisions that impact on, the transport system. The report sets out why a new approach to assessing sustainability is necessary, how it might work and why it differs from current procedures. The approach could help to fulfil one of the commitments from the 2004 Transport White Paper “…an important underlying objective of our strategy is balancing the need to travel with the need to improve quality of life. This means seeking solutions that meet long-term economic, social and environmental goals. Achieving this objective will clearly contribute to the objectives of the UK sustainable development strategy….we will ensure that the wider impacts of future developments are reflected in appropriate appraisal methodologies.