Description
Book SynopsisAt 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.
Trade Review“The transport debate is a fluent easy entry into the world of transport specialists. …a hugely valuable up-to-date reference tool – a must-read for students, policy wonks and the wider public.” Jim Steer, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and Founder/Director of Steer Davies Gleave
"A good introduction to transport in the UK...Planners and policymakers could benefit from considering the ideas put forward, and the text will provide a good starting point for student seminar discussions." Urban Studies Journal
"This 'helicopter' tour of what works and what does not work in transport policy in the UK and elsewhere provides a very readable and riveting account of action and inaction, as seen through the experiences of the authors' own fictional characters Motorway Man and his family." David Banister, University of Oxford
“This latest book from Shaw and Docherty is their best yet and a must-read for anyone who is interested in UK transport policy. They are a breath of fresh air and their work is fun to read.” David Begg, Chief Executive of Transport Times and former chairman of the Commission for Integrated Transport
Table of ContentsPreface: 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.
