Three Measures to Advance Sustainable Transport.

Since the mid 1990s, policies designed to advance the concept of Sustainable Transport have become increasingly prevalent in developed nations, motivated by the wider international drive for Sustainable Development. Within this fairly imprecise concept of Sustainable Transport, there are a variety of different policy instruments that can contribute to the overall goal. This EngD has adopted an incrementalist approach to the problem, seeking to advance Sustainable Transport with using a variety of these different policy instruments. This thesis identifies three components of Sustainable Transport - specifically Soft Measures, Devolution of transport powers to Local Authorities and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). Each of these three components is first explored within current literature and then a subset from each type of policy instrument was selected for examination by this EngD. Working within a Local Authority context, a pragmatic approach was taken to the problems that such an Authority faces, making best use of the pertinent research avenues available. Empirical research was undertaken in three discrete areas. A methodology was tested for use with a new micro simulation model arrangement for its efficacy in producing alternate traffic signal timing patterns to better deal with unusual highway incidents. This showed that such an arrangement could provide useful ways to improve traffic conditions during certain types of abnormal event. A study was undertaken concerning the use of corporate car sharing schemes and the perceived importance that users attached to different reasons for participating. This highlighted in particular the varied levels of importance that participants attached to different reasons for car sharing. Thirdly, the impact of a new piece of UK Government legislation (which devolves power to English Local Authorities) was also examined for how its provisions were being used by, and its perceived impact upon different types of Local Traffic Authority. Results showed that this type of devolved responsibility can have limited impact when adequate funds are not hypothecated when the powers are provided. Additional contributions to knowledge have been made concerning how a balance between the three Sustainable Transport policy instruments covered by this EngD can best be obtained. A discussion is provided on the relative merits of each of the three policy instruments and how striking a balance between the use of all three is the best pragmatic way in which an infrastructure operator, such as a Local Traffic Authority, can best advance the progress of Sustainable Transport