Speed Control and Transport Policy
Mayer
Hillman and Stephen Plowden
'just the sort of report to slip surreptitiously on the coffee tables of those with testosterone-Testarossa syndrome (male=fast car)...Be there when they read it'
New Statesman
'a persuasive and detailed case for revising limits downwards, worthy of careful consideration'
Transport Retort
'contains many useful ideas which should form the basis for moving transport towards considering and alleviating the harmful environmental effects of traffic and reducing the demand for even more road space'
The Transport Economist
'a first-rate book which provides all those campaigning for lower speed limits with sound academic reasons'
Roadpeace Newsletter
Although speed limits exist in all countries, their great potential as an instrument of transport policy has never before been properly explored. This pioneering book by two of the UK's leading transport policy researchers is the first to do. Plowden and Hillman trace the connections between speed and the various harmful effects of road traffic, and discuss the likely effects of lower speeds on journey times and travel patterns. Using detailed statistical evidence they calculate that the standard urban speed limit should be reduced from 30mph to 20mph, and that the national speed limit should probably be no higher than 55mph.
Plowden and Hillman give convincing evidence that the most effective method of enforcing speed limits is through the vehicle itself. And they show that if top speeds and acceleration were lowered, vehicles could be much more fuel efficient, quieter, and much less polluting.
Speed Control and Transport Policy will be of interest to policy makers with an interest in transport, the environment and road safety; academics, researchers and students on a range of planning, environmental studies and transport studies courses; transport engineers, planners and economists,, environmental consultants and professionals; and anyone concerned about the effects of traffic on the community.
£14.95 paperback ISBN 0 85374 692 3
1996 240 pages 216 x 135mm
Report number 815