Message from the Chair: Who are you planning for?

It’s been a turbulent month. With most people still under some form of lockdown and the wider economic and social effects of the pandemic becoming more evident, the events surrounding the death of George Floyd exploded into a worldwide movement against inequality and for positive change.  

Whilst some of the publicity has died down now and the media moves on to other topics, we must ensure that we do not return to business as usual.  I have been moved but also shocked by the stories of inequality and injustice not only across the world but in my local area and from my colleagues at work.  It is prevalent in our society and we must act to create long term structural change.

So how can we do this as transport planners?

Firstly, in the work we do, in every policy and project and scheme, we need to think about who we are planning for, not just planning for people in our own image.  We need to understand the people in the areas affected by our work, using robust demographic and economic and social data, and consider how our proposals can improve their lives, particularly those in more disadvantaged groups. We need to engage with communities in these areas, and ensure we understand their diverse needs and aspirations, so our proposals can help them achieve their goals, not just providing for the already advantaged.

Secondly, we need to ensure that we are well trained and well aware of diversity and inclusivity and accessibility issues in transport, for example by understanding which groups use which modes more often, and how we can benefit the disadvantaged and excluded by providing greater connectivity to opportunities.  We need to ensure our teams are diverse and reflecting the communities we are planning for.  And we need to encourage more people from disadvantaged groups to enter the profession – which means starting back at schools and colleges to support people choosing education and training that will lead them into opportunities in our profession.

We are fortunate to be in a profession that really can make a difference to people’s lives, so let’s use that to address inequality and injustice and build long-lasting change.  

Stephen Bennett

Chair, Transport Planning Society