The aim of sustainable transport planning is to progressively reduce impacts of the transport system in terms of: costs, resources, safety, health and the environment. This aim needs be achieved whilst maintaining the positive effects of the transport system in terms of economic development and accessibility.
A truly sustainable transport system is only an aspirational goal, although in relative terms, some modes are more sustainable than others.
The approach that transport planning takes to sustainability can be based on a hierarchy of considerations, taken in sequence, as follows:
Ø Begin by considering the potential for travel demand management. Examples could include land-use planning techniques linking activity location to accessibility.
Ø Following this, review the role of non-motorised modes (such as walking and cycling)
Ø Consider the role of the more-sustainable motorised modes (such as public transport, rail freight and sea freight)
Ø Test management options for private traffic (pricing, high occupancy strategies and freight management).
Ø If required, after all the above options have been exhausted, consider new infrastructure options.
Ø Manage new capacity provided for general road traffic, through pricing, priority measures or other methods, in order to prevent induced road traffic effects.
