PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN HIGHWAY PROPOSALS - THE PROS AND CONS

The author claims that current procedures in public participation with their blanket standardised approach have little regard to the object of the exercise or to the varying needs of the participants. He discusses the democratic ideal and describes the current political policies. Participation is defined in terms of the Skeffington Report and details are given of current procedures; these are illustrated with an example of the participation framework as outlined in the Leitch Report. The economics and effectiveness of mobile exhibitions, individual home meetings and small group meetings are examined. It is suggested that a more objective attitude is adopted in matching the level and extent of participationwith the needs and interests of those concerned. A more economic attitude towards the costs and benefits of participation is needed and the phasing of participation in relation to authority's decision processes is required. The author suggests a repeating loop: authority inititates -public informed and invited to comment - views considered - authority decision and initiation of next phase. There are three loops which might be considered for highway proposals.the first steps of each loop could be: (1) authority initiates proposal; (2) authority publishes draft proposals;(3) authority makes orders. The third loop would follow procedures similar to those used in the present inquiry stage. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Municipal Engineers

  25 Eccleston Square
  London SW1 V1NX,   England 
• Authors:
  • BERGG, J A
• Publication Date: 1980-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 345-54
• Serial:
  • Institution of Municipal Engineers, Journal of
  • Volume: 107
  • Issue Number: 12

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Decision making; Equity (Justice); Highway planning; Highways; Methodology; Planning; Policy; Politics; Public participation
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00334938
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 15 1981 12:00AM