Policies direct the effort of the transport sector towards defined objectives (whatever these might be) and thereby, provide a framework for the future management, operation and development of the transport system.
Policy options can be divided into three categories, as follows:
Network policy options
Ø Road network management and improvement
Ø Public transport network management and improvement
Ø Freight network management and improvement
Ø Non-pricing policy options
Ø Land-use planning
Ø Transport demand management
Ø Public transport
Ø Walking and cycling initiatives
Ø Environmentally based polices
Ø Safety policies
Priced policy options
Ø Road network pricing
Ø Toll roads
Ø Fuel tax
Ø Parking charges
Ø Vehicle registration fees
Ø Public transport fares
Without an explicit policy framework, different professionals may pull in different directions, depending on individual philosophies. However, policies need to be well constructed and tested before adoption, if they are to be effective. It is also important to identify and resolve potential conflicts between policies, to produce a consistent and co-ordinated policy framework.
