NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SPATIAL TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT

This paper reviews recent transport developments taking place in Europe. Particular attention is given to the impact of technological dynamics as reflected in the new information technology (NIT). Against this background the paper gives an overview of results and findings from four major international conferences on the impact of NIT on spatial developments and transport. There appears to be a consensus that the impact of NIT will not be dramatic and that the degree of substitutability of NIT vis--vis physical travel is limited. Peripheral areas of conurbations seem likely to be late comers in the area of NIT. However, in terms of the increase of a region\u27s competitive position, NIT may be an important vehicle, as it may also be for logistic systems and traffic safety