Policy making in London's transport planning

This article discusses several new traffic/environmental schemes proposed for London, and moves by feminist, consumer/worker and community groups to challenge conventional planning procedures. Continuous bus lanes, free or low public transport fares and pedestrianized areas are emphasized over private motoring, to result in lower traffic noise, congestion and accidents. The power of the UK's road lobby, the limitations of traditional professional planners and a lack of open debate are offered as explanations for the resistance of London's planners to enacting such schemes. The author concludes that central government policy of minimizing public transport subsidy and providing roads instead for private transport has led to hostility to more popular plans.