Transport Studies Group

An Exploration of Concepts of Health Held by Highways/Transport Cabinet Members/Councillors in England

Contact: Dr. Adrian Davis

Department for Transport funded: New Horizons project: 2003.

The objective of this study has been to assess how health is conceptualised among local government highways/transport Cabinet Members/Committee Councillors. In particular, it has sought to assess whether this conceptualisation conforms to a biomedical model, which sees health impacts as largely those of pollution and casualties, or whether wider determinants of health are identified. The perspectives of local government highway committee Chairs is critical in the delivery of central Government transport policy initiatives. Hence, a better understanding of their conceptualisations of health, and so its perceived relevance in local transport planning, should help identify barriers or opportunities in progressing Government transport policies.

The research identified that highway committee Chairs believe that transport planning has a responsibility to promote health. Key issues span both traditional areas of health-related transport such as road traffic accidents and pollution but also include the health promotive issues of walking and cycling. Further encouragement and financial support from DfT for programmes of work that either directly or indirectly address health-related transport issues are viewed as important by many highway committee Chairs.

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