Travel time constraints in transport policy

Abstract

Average travel time per person has remained constant at about an hour a day for at least the past 30 years, over which period average distance travelled has increased by over 50%. The average number of trips per person has also held steady, at 1000 per year. It follows that the growth in travel has taken the form of longer journeys at higher average speeds. Most of the intended investment in the UK Government's Ten Year Transport Plan has the effect of increasing average speed. This will increase distances travelled within constant average travel time, will result in increased environmental detriments, and is not likely to have a perceptible impact on congestion. Congestion charging could reduce distances travelled, but raises an issue of equity. Some approaches are discussed that could increase transport system efficiency without increasing average speed.