Structural change in the transport sector: a review of spatial and fiscal policy in the Netherlands and the UK

Abstract

This paper describes and compares recent developments in transport policies in both The Netherlands and the UK to highlight crucial differences, but also to point to similarities, in order to explain the development of the passenger transport sector in both countries. Attention is paid to the development of the modal split and policy in both countries, disregarding possible economic explanations for observable differences in total traffic growth. Next, transport policies in both countries are compared and discussed from a number of viewpoints. These comprise general policy objectives, the present situation, pricing policies, investment, land‐use and planning and institutional reform and regulation. The conclusions have implications on important policy issues, such as privatization, deregulation, the reduction of carbon emissions and locational policies.