TRANSPORT PLANNING AND METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE - A REPORT FOCUSING ON THE CONCEPT OF 'NEW REALISM' ALONGSIDE RECENT CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY IN THE TRANSPORT FIELD AND BEYOND

This report focuses on the concept of the 'new realism', alongside recent changes in UK Government policy in and beyond the transport field. The 'new realism' is the recognition that continued exponential growth of road traffic and road capacity are environmentally unacceptable and do not provide a viable solution to traffic problems. Part One of the report presents the concept of the 'new realism', and considers recent changes in Government transport policy and beyond. It outlines transport planning methodological approach in the research project on which the report is based. Part Two presents the research findings of two case studies, one in Tyne and Wear and one in the West Midlands, which focus on the participants and arenas of policy debates. Part Three emphasises the difficulties involved in moving the transport agenda forward, the possible advantages of doing this, and the dilemmas for governance to which such difficulties and opportunities give rise. Difficulties arise from institutional barriers in relation to issues, participants, alliances, disclosures, and arenas. There are several 'solutions' for more rapid adoption of the 'new realism', which widen the policy community and public participation, in relation to the regulatory framework, roles, and responsibilities. Considerable efforts are needed at central and sub-national government levels.