Transport institutions and organisations in the formulation of policies for Australian local area traffic management: A 50-year retrospective

Abstract

A review of 115 studies on Australian local area traffic management (LATM) schemes covers network planning, computer modelling, overall design considerations, the deployment of various traffic control devices, project evaluation and numerous before and after case studies. However, no research has been published about the formulation of LATM policies and the processes involved that were formulated during the 1970s and 1980s and aimed at discouraging non-local through traffic in residential areas, improving road safety, and improving environmental amenity through physical devices. This paper develops a conceptual model of the interactions amongst institutions of government (state and local), organisations (national research institutes and universities), and civil society (the consulting industry, lobby groups and community action groups). The model is implemented through a series of unstructured interviews with key players involved with research and advocacy, capacity building, and state government policy makers that determined: who was responsible for the governance of LATM schemes? What were the respective roles of institutions and organisations in relation to the early formulation of policies and plans, especially issues of authority? Who were the key players in these institutions and organisations? To what extent did external influences of ideas by overseas agents (policy transfer) occur in decision making? A recently implemented LATM scheme (Seven Ways) by Waverley Council describes the latest approaches, including community participation. The conclusions note the importance of a society investing in road research, having universities capable of delivering high-quality professional development programs, and having a consulting industry that is willing to deliver innovative, practical advice to local governments. Suggestions are made about areas for further research.