Title: Multi-level policy making in transport: the problems for border regions

Authors: Roger Vickerman

Addresses: Centre for European, Regional and Transport Economics, Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NP, UK

Abstract: Transport policy is formulated and implemented at different levels in the EU. In practice it is not easy to separate the spatial dimensions of decisions, with serious implications for project appraisal and consistency. This problem is seen in border regions where the balance between local, regional, inter-regional and international traffic is critical. This paper examines these issues in North-West Europe which has many borders and much transit traffic. The paper draws on theories of multi-level governance, models of transport infrastructure appraisal and regional impact modelling and proposes improvements to appraisal process which could lead to greater consistency in policy.

Keywords: EU transport policy; border regions; multi-level governance; trans-European networks; transport investment appraisal; European integration; European Union; regional impact modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2008.019068

International Journal of Public Policy, 2008 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.228 - 245

Published online: 28 Jun 2008 *

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