Synopses & Reviews
This book questions the misunderstandings that have influenced politicians, transport planners, and the general public, asking: Are governments trying to “get us out of our cars?” Is better public transport the solution to congestion in cities? What effect would more house building have on traffic and transport? Using seven British and European cities as case studies, Sustainable Transport Without the Hot Air finds solutions. Interviews with political leaders, such as Ken Livingstone; transport planners; and campaigners, including Bill Bryson, reveal some surprising conclusions to remedy urban transport problems.
Synopsis
The UK population will reach 70 million by 2027. How will all these people get around? Is building more, wider roads really the solution? In this book, Steve Melia:
- dispels long-standing transport myths;
- looks at the successes of London and other UK and continental cities in providing 21st century transport;
- and suggests solutions for a sustainable future.
By drawing on the experience of London, Bristol, Cambridge and other European towns, we can have cleaner and more pleasant places to live, and a more sustainable economy. The book is accessibly written, and is a must-read for the interested lay person as well as those involved in transport and urban planning.
In Volume 2, (forthcoming) Alan Cunningham considers the situation and solutions for the USA. Each volume can be read alone, or they can be read together to look at the wider global context.
Synopsis
The UK population will reach 70 million by 2027. How will all these people get around? Is building more, wider roads really the solution?
If you've ever studied, worked in or used transport, there's a good chance you'll have stopped one day and asked yourself 'why?'. With population numbers rising and more than three-quarters of the British population living in urban areas, cities are becoming congested - and the air increasingly stinky
In Volume 1 of Urban Transport without the hot air, transport and planning specialist Steve Melia dispels long-standing myths surrounding transportation issues in the United Kingdom. From car ownership, public transport and cycling to airports and the belief that we're building too many flats, he discusses the challenges and values of urban planning.
This is also a practical book filled with sustainable solutions to improve the future of our transport system. By drawing on the experience of London, Bristol, Cambridge and other European towns, Steve argues that we can create cleaner and more pleasant places to live, and a more sustainable economy. It also includes evidence from both Steve's research, and studies carried out by respected academics and experts, providing reliable and informative insights on urban living.
Persuasive and accessibly written, and is a must-read for anyone interested or involved in transport and urban planning.
About the Author
Steve Melia is a lecturer in transport and planning at the University of the West of England, Bristol. He has been a parliamentary candidate; environmental campaigner; and freelance journalist, writing and speaking on transport in cities. He advised two government departments on how to achieve more sustainable transport in the Eco-towns program and the Olympic Legacy Company on the transport planning of the London Olympic Park.