Dimensions and determinants of expert and public attitudes to sustainable transport policies and technologies

This paper investigates (a) attitudes to sustainable transport and how these differ between experts and non-experts, and (b) factors that influence these attitudes and their relevant importance in explaining why such differences occur. Attitudes of experts (N = 53) and British public (N = 40) were compared using open-ended questionnaires, attitude scales, analytic hierarchy process and preference ranking. Both samples prioritised reduction in transport demand in qualitative measures. In quantitative measures, however, experts preferred techno-economic measures while the public prioritised behaviour change and public transport improvement. Some options for sustainable transport also varied with individuals’ values, suggesting that expertise alone does not fully account for variation in attitudes. Different perspectives and values imply a need for a broader definition of expertise in transport policy-making, and that the public may not accept transport policies/technologies designed by experts – underlining the importance of early public engagement.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2012.10.007
• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965856412001462
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09658564
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Xenias, Dimitrios
  • Whitmarsh, Lorraine
• Publication Date: 2013-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 75-85
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
  • Volume: 48
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0965-8564
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Policy making; Public opinion; Questionnaires; Sustainable transportation; Transportation policy
• Uncontrolled Terms: Experts
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Environment; Policy; Transportation (General); I10: Economics and Administration; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01476378
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 21 2013 9:13AM