Transport disruptions as opportunities for behaviour change: A qualitative evaluation of UK policy and practice
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Despite ambitious national targets for reducing transport emissions, current policies in the UK fall short in effectively reducing unsustainable travel behaviours, in particular car use. One promising approach is leveraging 'moments of change,' which are key opportunities when disruptions can facilitate shifts in travel behaviour. The current study investigates whether current UK transport policy and practice recognises opportunities for disruptive physical interventions which alter the choice contexts for travel behaviour (e.g., low-traffic neighbourhoods) as well as the strategic timing of behaviour change interventions to coincide with existing physical disruptions (e.g., road closures). Through qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 23 transport practitioners from various UK transport organisations and key strategic documents, the findings reveal that while practitioners acknowledge the potential of changes in the built environment to foster behavioural shifts to some extent, implementation is hindered by constraints relating to the feasibility (e.g., funding and resources constraints) and public acceptance of capitalising on such events within policy. Recommendations emphasise the need for comprehensive strategies incorporating both planned and unplanned infrastructure changes underscored by bold policy leadership to overcome entrenched car dependency and achieve sustainable transport goals.
Source: Case Studies on Transport Policy
Institutions: University of Bath, University of Oxford
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,950
OpenAlex ID: W4407133807