Does transport planning matter?

Ben Plowden, TPS Chair

Kieran Seale, TPS Company Secretary

A change of government is always a time for reflection. And this new government seems to have a to-do list longer and harder than most. A stagnant economy with growing alienation from the democratic system, a climate and ecological emergency and the NHS in crisis - to name just a few. Oh, and there is no money.

So does transport planning matter in all this?

Spoiler alert- Yes!

An effective transport system has a fundamental role to play in supporting social and economic development, whether for individuals, communities or society as a whole -access to work, markets, education, leisure, culture, friends and family. Effective transport schemes change people’s lives for the better, combating isolation and allowing them to access opportunities, whether work or leisure. With Transport for the North research showing that 30% of the population of the northern region experience transport-related social exclusion, it’s clear we have to make transport better to improve people’s lives and prospects. 

On top of that, transport is now the UK’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a quarter of all the UK’s emissions of carbon dioxide. Transport planners have solutions for this too. 

What’s more, the best, simplest and cheapest way to improve the health of the UK population is to get them more active. Walking and cycling as part of daily travel improve both physical and mental health. Being active can help tackle cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, some cancers and Type II diabetes¹. And studies have shown that walking is twice as effective in tackling depression as antidepressants².

Over and over we hear people coming into the profession say that they want to help tackle some of society’s biggest problems - and to make a difference.

So as the government faces its daunting challenges, let’s not forget to say out loud - we are transport planners, and we are here to help!

¹ “Cycling and walking for individual and population health benefits”, Public Health England 2018.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5bf41840e5274a2af47c464e/Cycling_and_walking_for_individual_and_population_health_benefits.pdf

²https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/14/exercise-depression-treatment-pills-antidepressants/