bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The applicability of the Human Rights Act 1998
Authors: Roberts K. J.
Published: November 2009

After the Second World War and in response to concerns as to the expansion of the Eastern Bloc, the European Convention on Human Rights (‘the Convention’) was developed by the Council of Europe. The United Kingdom ratified the Convention in 1951 and by doing so, a number of rights were established for everyone, whether an individual or a company, including the right to liberty, the right to a fair trial and the right to respect for private and family life, home and confidentiality of correspondence.
Providing an evidence base for community strategies
Authors: Field J. J.
Published: November 2009

The technical services provided or procured by local authorities have a significant impact on the health and sense of well-being of their communities. For example, lighting has implications for crime and fear of crime, transportation has implications for safety and pollution as well as access, waste management and grounds maintenance have an impact on the local physical environment. The power to promote or improve economic, social or environmental well-being and the duty to prepare community strategies demand new ways of working from local authorities. Joined-up planning and service delivery requires interdepartmental and inter-agency working. Underlying this joint working is a growing need for evidence-based decision-making. This paper outlines the political and administrative context for developing community strategies and presents a model for providing the evidence base that will assist in targeting resources and monitoring progress.
A renaissance for Rugeley
Authors: Haisman R. , Mortiboys W.
Published: November 2009

This paper is about civil engineering schemes that have been devised and implemented with community participation to meet local needs. Against a backdrop of industrial and economic decline a multi-agency partnership, Trent Challenge, sought to direct local funding alongside European structural funds and Government funding through the Single Regeneration Budget to revitalise the area. Regional objectives of stimulating the economy and removing skills shortages and local aspirations to improve facilities, enhance the environment and develop infrastructure are brought together and progress is measured to demonstrate effectiveness. The appraisal and approval process for schemes to be implemented tests engineers' ability to develop solutions that not only comply with national and regional objectives but also engage local participation as a vital ingredient. A wide range of community groups with different and sometimes conflicting needs have been encouraged to participate in the regeneration process. The paper includes several case studies, describing individual schemes and commenting on the measurable outputs delivered and the consultation processes that took place. The purpose of the paper is to describe an approach to sustainable regeneration that can be developed in the future and, in the view of the authors, applied in other locations to good effect.
Modern road crossing designs and visually impaired people
Authors: Duncan-Jones B.
Published: November 2009

Making the street environment pedestrian-friendly and accessible for disabled people is high on the agenda. Hence the designs of road crossings with flush kerbs and the development of the tactile paving system to benefit visually impaired people. These are great developments and long-awaited, but are all the designs really helpful to people with visual impairment?
The role of the engineer in politics
Authors: Simon O.
Published: November 2009

The engineering disciplines would not at first sight appear to be very relevant for politics. Engineering in the broadest sense concerns the application of a sophisticated and highly intellectual set of methodologies to situations which are by their very nature non-human—machinery, structures, infrastructure, control systems and so on. If the essence of politics is the mediation of choice then it wouldseemtobe far removed almostby definition from engineering since the phenomena with which engineering deals are incapable of exercising choice.
Partnering in the provision of a highway management system
Authors: Kennedy C. , Johns A.
Published: November 2009

The concepts of best value and best value performance plans have required a thorough review of the aims and objectives of management and the way in which local authorities provide service to the customer. The need for these reviews has applied not only to the local authorities but also to the private sector who provide them with many of the goods and services. With this in mind Devon County Council reviewed the provision of software support for highway maintenance management and concluded that best value could be achieved by entering into a partnership with the private sector. The objective of the partnership is to deliver an improved and cost-effective highway management system to the people of Devon by taking advantage of the latest developments in computer software and computer technology. The partnership was established in June 1999 and has now completed its second year. This paper describes how the partnership was established, lists the objectives set by each party at the outset, explains how it is managed and presents details of its achievements
Learning networks in construction procurement
Authors: Thomas G.
Published: November 2009

Procurement is of increasing strategic importance. For most products, competition at the point of sale is not simply between products and services on offer but between the often complex supply chains that bring them to market. Supply chain management has a critical role to play in improving overall performance in construction, but remains comparatively little used. Learning is now seen as a vital characteristic of competitive organisations with a growing emphasis on learning between organisations. Learning networks thus have an increasingly important role to play. They need a range of conditions to be met if they are to function effectively. The Construction Productivity Network (CPN) is a key learning network in the construction industry, focusing on the entire supply chain. It has been in operation since 1994 and it was developed and is managed by CIRIA. CPN operates as part of the Construction Best Practice Programme. It concentrates on the innovators and early adopters in the innovation diffusion pyramid and on the reflection and conceptualisation phases of the Kolb learning cycle. It meets most of the requirements of an effective learning network. The exception is active intervention over a defined period of time, although plans are currently being developed for ‘learning sets’ which will address this aspect of the learning network.
Poverty and urban transport in East Africa
Authors: Howe J. D. G. F.
Published: November 2009

This paper summarises a review of research and Dutch donor experience with regard to poverty and urban transport in four African cities—the capitals of Kenya and Tanzania and two of their secondary cities. They are areas dominated by the number, but not the influence, of the poor. The means of transport they use—walking, cycling and public transport—have been systematically discriminated against for decades, and the effects of this policy have worsened their quality of life. The major obstacle to reform is the collapse in the authority of civic government, which is characterised by the evolution of informal land use and transport service markets. Without control of these it is difficult to conceive of a sensible basis for comprehensive transport planning. NGO and donor organisations have led the way in the improvement of infrastructure for the poor, including transport, using participatory techniques. Project and research experience has yielded convincing results, showing that transport infrastructure, services and safety issues can be addressed through innovative processes and organisations. The NGO–donor alliance must be strengthened and complemented by a transport planning process centred on the needs of people rather than vehicles. However, such a process has to be preceded by efforts to rebuild the credibility of local governance.
Using employment-intensive methods to construct and maintain infrastructure
Authors: McCutcheon R. T.
Published: November 2009

From the early 1970s to the mid-1980s the use of employment-intensive methods, which generate significant employment opportunities per unit of expenditure, were explored as a means for both the construction of public works and the generation of employment. In theory and small-scale experimentation the methods were found to apply to many aspects of civil construction. However, to date in sub-Saharan Africa, employment-intensive methods have only been used on a large-scale for low-cost, low-volume rural road construction. During the 1990s research and field experimentation in South Africa has not only confirmed the validity of the earlier research but demonstrated that, as long as certain basic principles are followed, employment-intensive methods may also be used for high-standard, heavily trafficked roads and other high-standard infrastructure without compromising cost, quality or time. Since the bulk of civil construction expenditure is on high-standard infrastructure, the use of employment-intensive methods could multiply the positive social and socioeconomic effects of such expenditure without detriment to the public purse. Following an introduction, this paper provides a summary of the research and field implementation carried out by, or in association with, the Research Centre for Employment Creation in Construction, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Briefing: Strategic action planning: linking practice to theory
Authors: Hamdi N.
Published: November 2009

The theory and practice of action planning embodies one simple but powerful ethos: to do something big, one starts with something small and one starts where it counts. One builds from small, often simple beginnings, on the ground with those who have a stake in the outcome, and with others—politicians, planners, engineers, architects—in whom society entrusts a broader public and moral purpose to serve our interests and safeguard futures. As one builds, one creates opportunities for change, progressively discovered and based in ‘knowingin-action’—on knowledge and experience derived from everyday practice and from those who think about doing something while doing it.
Attempting to deliver better municipal engineering services in Ireland
Authors: Rogers M. , Grist B.
Published: November 2009

This paper puts forward the proposition that recent attempts at local government reforms in Ireland will fail to improve the quality of services delivered to their customers due to the static and limited approach to policy-making of the authorities, which central government has not sought to fundamentally alter in favour of a more radical, customer-oriented approach. The proposed changes to the Irish local government system are compared with recent developments in the United Kingdom, where political upheaval over 20 years ago forced authorities to adopt a more customer-oriented approach based on private sector values.
Disappearing traffic? The story so far
Authors: Cairns S. , Atkins S. , Goodwin P.
Published: November 2009

Reallocating roadspace from general traffic, to improve conditions for pedestrians or cyclists or buses or on-street light rail or other high-occupancy vehicles, is often predicted to cause major traffic problems on neighbouring streets. This paper reports on two phases of research, resulting in the examination of over 70 case studies of roadspace reallocation from eleven countries, and the collation of opinions from over 200 transport professionals worldwide. The findings suggest that predictions of traffic problems are often unnecessarily alarmist, and that, given appropriate local circumstances, significant reductions in overall traffic levels can occur, with people making a far wider range of behavioural responses than has traditionally been assumed. Follow-up work has also highlighted the importance of managing how schemes are perceived by the public and reported in the media, with various lessons for avoiding problems. Finally, the findings highlight that well-designed schemes to reallocate roadspace can often contribute to a multiplicity of different policy aims and objectives.
Could advertisements for cars influence our travel choices?
Authors: Bristow A.
Published: November 2009

This study looks at examples of promotional advertising used by the motor industry and reports on the findings of a review of television, newspaper and magazine advertisements. It also provides a brief introduction to marketing methods and the concept of target markets, to begin to consider whether travel choices could be affected by advertising campaigns.
The engineer: a key enabler in urban design
Authors: Stemmet F.
Published: November 2009

After decades of decline, inner cities are, at last, being regenerated. In addition, many decades of official indifference to urban ugliness and bland townscape are giving way to a recognition of the need for urban design. Central government, especially through the initiatives of the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, is driving this forward. The professions are trying to catch up. City council officers, apart from their acute skills shortages, still have a few political and cultural demons to slay. More and more, attention is turning to our hopelessly out-of-date planning system. Increasingly, there are calls for a fundamental change in the way we do things. This paper addresses the inherent problems and challenges of achieving such changes by ‘joined-up’ thinking across the various disciplines. Good urban design is not the domain of the engineer alone, but requires that everyone ‘talk the same language’ to provide a common vision that can be realised to enhance our urban landscapes and revitalise our cities.
Northmoor Homezone, Manchester
Authors: Delap J. A. , McMillan J.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the implementation of the Northmoor Homezone. Northmoor is one of nine pilot Home-zones in England and Wales selected to pioneer new concepts of the use of street space. The first phase is now complete and has been judged by residents to be a success. The aims of the Homezone have been to assist and complement the regeneration of the area and to transform the repetitive terraced streets into new linear courtyards where cars are forced to travel at very low speeds and where pedestrians and cyclists share equal priority with vehicles. Community involvement and consultation has been extensive and monitoring has taken place to determine the opinions of the residents and to measure speeds and volumes of traffic using the streets.
The transformation of English rural communities
Authors: Williams C. C. , White R.
Published: November 2009

A popular prejudice is that rural communities are close-knit, cooperative and supportive and the people self-reliant, friendly and helpful. However, a host of systemic changes in rural life, taken cumulatively, suggest that this ‘rural idyll’ etched in the popular imagination is under threat. In order to evaluate whether this is indeed the case, the results of 350 interviews conducted in five contrasting rural communities during 2000–2001 are reported here. This reveals that despite a widespread perception that community spirit is alive and well in rural areas, such attitudes are not always expressed in the actions of the rural population. A large minority of the rural population, composed mostly of low-income and jobless households, find themselves excluded from both community-based groups and one-to-one networks of reciprocal support. Arguing that there is a need for policies to encourage their reinclusion into rural life, the paper concludes by outlining a number of policy initiatives to achieve this goal.
Waste and the countryside: sustainability and resource efficiency
Authors: Jones P.
Published: November 2009

The relationship between waste and the civil engineering profession has long been recognised. However, in coming years that relationship may become increasingly significant, precipitated by a mixture of European and UK Government pressures translated into a hardening price regime driven by budgetary, regulatory and fiscal instruments. The backdrop to those drivers lies in growing scientific evidence emphasising the need for significant improvements in resource efficiency within the frame-work of the UK economy. This paper addresses those trends with particular reference to the profession, the waste sector and the countryside—a geographic context which is especially important given the far-reaching review which the Government is now undertaking on the role of rural areas in general and the context of specific industries and professions within it.
Buildings that save water—rainwater and greywater use
Authors: Leggett D. J. , Shaffer P.
Published: November 2009

Water is a precious and limited resource. The demand for water is projected to increase in the future while the supply may be adversely affected by global factors such as climate change. This results in an increasing need to use water more wisely. The Government and the water industry are encouraging the adoption of water conservation measures. One component of these water conservation measures, among many others, is to use rainwater and greywater (water from sinks, baths and showers) as a source of water to reduce water consumption. This paper provides an outline of the main considerations for the use of rainwater or greywater, identifying its contribution to sustainable water management and discusses the issues that need to be overcome to encourage the wider uptake of the technology. The matters outlined in this paper are expanded upon in a series of reports available from CIRIA.
Parks and green spaces: unlocking a fresh vision
Authors: Fieldhouse K.
Published: November 2009

Public parks have a long and distinguished history. Promoted by patronage, they provided an essential element in the social planning of urban areas. In recent years their status and consequent funding has been in near terminal decline. A renaissance of the urban park began with targeted Heritage Lottery Funding. The recent Urban Green Spaces Taskforce report confirms the necessity of reviving the roles of urban parks. This paper reviews the history and current position and argues for a wider role for urban parks as essential elements in the educational and cultural well-being of urban areas. New visions and the application of design talent should be matched by proper funding so as to ensure urban parks become the hearts of the place.
The role of the voluntary sector in open space management—Milton Keynes Parks Trust
Authors: Richardson I.
Published: November 2009

The Milton Keynes Parks Trust, which became fully operational in 1992, is an unusual charity that manages the major parks and landscape features of the new city of Milton Keynes on behalf of the local community and visitors. This paper provides an insight into the Trust's work, particularly in the context of the ongoing review of the value of landscape and allied features in towns and cities and their possible management structures.
Towards sustainable infrastructure: an adaptable model for post-war areas in developing countries
Authors: Brown R. H.
Published: November 2009

Armed conflict can lead to the collapse of many of the institutions which constitute the framework of a viable society. Their reconstitution in whatever form requires strategies which lead to sustainable solutions. Effective infrastructure forms the backbone to the recovery process. This paper describes the development of theory to support the establishment of sustainable infrastructure programmes in post-war areas. It contains adapted extracts from an extensive research project into post-war infrastructure in East Timor and North Maluku undertaken by the author.
Street clutter: what can be done?
Authors: Davis C. J.
Published: November 2009

The character of a place is defined by its streets. However, all too often these streets let us down because of poor preservation and management. Street clutter erodes the special character, value and distinctiveness of an area. This urban clutter is largely a result of the inadequate and often conflicting information offered to urban designers via the current government guidelines. Such single-issue guides fail to take a holistic overview of the urban streetscape assuming, erroneously, that there will be an experienced municipal engineer to oversee the general picture and balance the overall requirements. This paper looks in detail at the problems caused by such lack of coordination and at what is required to forge a way ahead through joined-up thinking and joined-up action.
Rapid assessment and priority setting in emergencies
Authors: Harvey P. A. , Reed R. A.
Published: November 2009

Natural and man-made disasters give rise to many unpredictable events and situations worldwide. The need for comprehensive but rapid assessment in the immediate aftermath of a disaster is often underestimated. Lack of adequate assessment is likely to lead to inappropriate priorities and emergency interventions, which may exacerbate, rather than alleviate, existing problems. This paper is based on research recently undertaken at the Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC), in collaboration with major international relief organisations, to develop guidelines for the planning and management of emergency sanitation programmes. The paper addresses the need for rapid, systematic and comprehensive assessment following disasters. The assessment process developed is based on the speedy collection of qualitative and quantitative data on services and facilities, and behavioural data. This information is analysed through comparison with internationally recommended standards or norms, and from this different needs and priorities are identified. Use of the process should lead to rapid appropriate intervention, more efficient resource use and improved public health. Recent field trials of the assessment process have demonstrated worldwide applicability and rapid, accurate identification of priorities. The post-disaster provision of sanitation services and facilities in refugee camps in Africa is given as an example of how this process can be used.
Management of urgent emergency engineering projects
Authors: Wearne S. H.
Published: November 2009

Emergency engineering work has become increasingly important to avoid or repair unexpected faults or damage to industrial and public service systems. This paper draws on case studies of the emergency engineering work for recent flood threats and rail disasters in the UK to define general lessons for the management of future urgent emergency work in any industry or service.
Winter maintenance—how to avert the emergency
Authors: Kent J. D.
Published: November 2009

This paper looks at two case studies where winter emergencies are averted by early closure of the road to traffic, and then considers whether these principles are relevant in a wider context. The paper questions whether the public attitude towards travelling in severe winter conditions is a major cause of disruption and discusses how this attitude can be changed.
The municipal engineer's role in winter emergencies
Authors: Lott P. , Stephens M.
Published: November 2009

Unlike other parts of the UK, snow of any significance in Kent is infrequent. Kent County Council (KCC) budgets for 60 complete salting runs each year with no allocation for snow or ice clearance. Only when snow or ice is more than 50 mm deep, or ice remains for more than a couple of days, does KCC declare a ‘snow or ice emergency’. The management of such emergencies can stretch the council's resources when other parts of the country treat them as routine occurrences. This paper describes briefly how KCC plans for winter salting and snow clearance and the decision process it has in place for taking action.
The changing character of flood defence law
Authors: Howarth W.
Published: November 2009

The law on flood and coastal defence is entering a period of fundamental change. Previously it was generally accepted that public bodies with flood defence responsibilities had permissive powers to undertake flood defence work, but were not subject to legal duties to do so. Individuals had no rights to protection against flooding, and no remedies were available where flood damage occurred due to inaction by flood defence authorities. These fundamental principles of flood defence law are being challenged upon two fronts. First, the civil law of private nuisance now recognises that those with control over land may be liable for an unreasonable failure to prevent flooding of neighbouring land. Second, human rights legislation has been interpreted to encompass a right to protection from flooding under some circumstances. There are considerable difficulties in reconciling these innovations with the traditional interpretation of the law, and there are fundamental questions to be addressed as to whether it is realistic to endorse an unqualified right to flood protection.
Flood management: lessons from a US city
Authors: Pepper A. , Stonecipher C. , Vein K. A.
Published: November 2009

The traditional means of flood defence in the UK has been to either increase the capacity of the watercourse or to build barriers between the watercourse and property at risk. The latter approach was used in the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA, but in 1997 the raised defences (levees) were overwhelmed by a flood event with an annual probability of less than 0·5% (i.e. greater than a 1-in-200-year event). Flood management is now superseding the narrower engineered solution of flood defence alone, and while flood management may well include raised defences in some areas, other approaches are also used, as the solution to the Grand Forks flood risk shows. Here large-scale removal of property from one part of the floodplain has prevented that area from incurring further damage and has also provided more ‘space’ for the river in flood times. Differences between the UK and US situations are highlighted, including the type of flood risk, the role of the city engineer, and lessons that can be learned from the Grand Forks example.
Load spectrum for utility trenches in the footway
Authors: Reid A. J. , Fairfield C. A. , Sibbald A.
Published: November 2009

Local authorities are concerned about the adoption of cable television networks after they reach two years of age. Concerns have been raised about the shallow burial depth (250 mm to the crown for ducts in footways), the longevity of the reinstatement, and the possibility of future damage to footways under vehicle loading. The aim of this research was to develop a realistic load regime for footway utility trenches. This was achieved by parking surveys counting the type (HGV, LGV or car) and frequency of footway loading incidents. The final output from the parking surveys was used to derive a load spectrum for future application to laboratory trench box tests. From these daily survey results, extrapolated worst-case load regimes for a 20 -year design life were derived to assist engineers in their assessment of cumulative footway damage.
Strategic marketing of water services in developing countries
Authors: Njiru C. , Sansom K.
Published: November 2009

The recent (2000) global water supply and sanitation assessment by the World Health Organisation found that over one billion people do not have access to improved water supply. The finding points to the challenges faced by municipal engineers and other professionals responsible for the provision of water services in developing countries. Population growth and the increasing poverty, particularly in the urban areas, compound the challenge. A key objective for water utilities is to provide services to the growing population, including the poor, in a financially sustainable manner. Strategic marketing offers an innovative method of meeting this objective. Research aimed at adapting and developing a marketing approach for use in the water sector was carried out in a number of developing countries between 1999 and 2001, with detailed field research in Kenya, Uganda and India. This paper discusses strategic marketing of urban water services and provides a methodology that water utilities could use to structure their service delivery options to customers while meeting their financial objectives. The paper outlines how utilities could structure service delivery with appropriate pricing and serve more excluded customers (including the poor) at affordable cost and achieve financial sustainability. The paper concludes that strategic marketing of water services has potential to improve services to existing and excluded (potential) customers while improving the utility's revenue base.
Improving access to transport in developing countries
Authors: Savill T. , Stone J. , Venter C. , Maunder D.
Published: November 2009

Improving access and mobility of people with disabilities is an essential component of the alleviation of poverty in developing countries. Disabled people are among the most socially excluded members of society and poorly designed and inaccessible transport can contribute to this situation by restricting access to education and health facilities and employment opportunities. This paper summarises the first phase of a Department for International Development (DFID) funded project which identifies the barriers experienced by disabled people when using public transport services in urban areas of the developing world.
Briefing:Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion. Report by the Social Exclusion Unit 2003
Authors: Simpson B.
Published: November 2009

Although some may argue that there is not yet an accurate definition of ‘social exclusion’ and of those who fall into this category, this briefing examines the issues of how transport has contributed to such problems. The author gives a brief résumé of each of the 13 chapters of the Transport and Social Exclusion report before moving on to discuss wider issues such as value judgements and land-use policies. Finally, the briefing considers the implications of these various processes for the report and for lasting solutions.
Conceptualising social inclusion: some lessons for action
Authors: Williams C. C. , White R.
Published: November 2009

This paper investigates the range of contributions that engineering can make to a socially inclusive society. Reviewing how the concept of social inclusion differs from the concept of poverty, the multi-dimensionality involved and the connectivity between the various subsystems that constitute society, this paper illustrates the range of fronts open to civil engineers when seeking to tackle social inclusion but also how tackling social inclusion on one front may lead to exclusion in others. The result is a call for heightened awareness of the multi-dimensionality of social inclusion and the connectivity between different subsystems so that engineers can proceed with caution when construction social inclusion initiatives.
Briefing: On the move: by foot
Authors: Huxford Robert
Published: November 2009

This briefing sheet is a summary of On the move: by foot, a discussion document published by the Department for Transport, 30 June 2003. The aim is to contribute to a strategy document on walking that will contribute to the broader liveability agenda being developed by Government. The full document can be downloaded from: http://www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/consult/walking/
Decision-making models for handling ethical dilemmas
Authors: Fan L. C. N.
Published: November 2009

A review of the literature on ethics in engineering shows that it is rich with descriptions of codes of ethics, rules, and regulations to govern and guide the actions of engineers. It also contains a few ethical decision-making models. This paper compares several of these models and analyses the step-by-step procedures laid out in them. This study finds that three critical steps in the handling of ethical dilemmas are: (a) assessing potential consequences and effects of actions, (b) determining the problem and ethical issues, and (c) reviewing legal requirements and code of ethics. The three key factors influencing ethical decisions are legal requirements, duty and obligation towards own organisation, and professional code of conduct. It is also found that the three key stakeholders affecting decision-making are the own self, the public, and the employer.
Employment protection for whistleblowers: some implications
Authors: Lewis D.
Published: November 2009

This paper briefly explains the concept of whistleblowing and why it should be encouraged. It then outlines the effect of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and examines the recent Middlesex University research into whistleblowing procedures in local authorities. The paper establishes the prevalence of whistleblowing procedures, why they were introduced and the extent of trade union involvement. It provides examples to illustrate who can use these procedures, the types of concern that can be raised and who investigates them. Other issues discussed include: the need for confidentiality; the problems of reprisal and malicious allegations; the availability of advice and assistance and the existence of feedback. The paper also describes how information about whistleblowing procedures is disseminated, who has overall responsibility for such a procedure within organisations and the extent of monitoring and review. The paper concludes by using the research findings to make observations about good practice and recommendations for the future.
Urban poverty: addressing the scale of the problem
Authors: Cook D. B. , Kirke J.
Published: November 2009

Three decades of study, analysis, conventions, projects and programmes, supported by substantial aid funds, all of which were focused on reducing urban poverty, have led to the proliferation of research papers, urban strategy documents and the setting of continually updated and extended ‘targets’ for poverty reduction. In absolute terms, however, the numbers of people living in urban areas at or below the poverty line, in substandard conditions without adequate access to essential basic services, has increased and is continuing to increase. This paper focuses on the scale and urgency of the problem, proposes a number of key practical actions to tackle them, particularly through the legalisation of assets created by the poor but not legally owned by them. It also emphasises the need to address not only present levels of urban poverty but also to develop policies and programmes to deal with continuing urban growth so that it does not breed tomorrow's illegal slums. Present programmes and projects tend to address only the visible effects of urban neglect. Governments and aid agencies need to act urgently to address the scale of the problem and create a climate of hope, where the poor may be better able to help themselves.
Travel patterns at two secondary schools in Ireland
Authors: Gray N. F. , Kelly D.
Published: November 2009

The rapidly increasing level of car ownership and usage in Ireland is resulting in progressively more traffic congestion throughout the country. Traffic management teams are examining ways of reducing traffic density as part of a broader transportation policy. However, there are currently very limited statistics on travel patterns in Ireland. Secondary school children travel to and from school at peak traffic flow periods, adding significantly to local traffic congestion and pollution. In order to explore ways of minimising vehicle density around and on the approach roads to schools, the travel patterns of secondary school children in Ireland were investigated by means of a classroom-based survey. Two schools were studied: one in a rural location in County Leitrim and the other in Dublin. There was no difference between the three age groups studied, although significant differences in travel patterns were observed between the schools. Recommendations as to how school travel in Ireland could be made more sustainable are presented. The benefits gained from the inclusion of travel plans into the existing green schools programme are considerable both in terms of reducing accident rates and reducing car usage, which in turn have positive environmental and social impacts.
Improving efficiency as a means to improving transport quality
Authors: Mulley C.
Published: November 2009

In many economies, local public transport has for many years been losing favour to its more flexible competitor, the car. Improving public transport as a way of attracting back lost passengers is a key goal of all public transport service providers and of policymakers. One of the ways in which public transport might be improved—and therefore have the possibility to attract more passengers—is by engaging operators in performance measurement and the sharing of good ideas within the industry. To date, very little performance measurement has taken place in the local passenger transport sector; however, benchmarking is one option for enabling this process. Against such a background, this paper describes the setting up of a benchmarking group by a number of ex-municipal bus companies. The paper describes the aims and aspirations of the different members in the setting up of the benchmarking group and identifies the progress made and presents an analysis of the difficulties encountered. It goes on to consider how this experience could be linked to the provision of quality bus partnerships that have become a popular way of promoting patronage growth in the privatised bus operator environment of the UK.
What role for smart-card data from bus systems?
Authors: Bagchi M. , White P. R.
Published: November 2009

This paper examines whether data, generated from smart cards used for bus travel, can be put forward as a replacement for, or a complement to, existing transport data sources. Smart-card data possess certain advantages over existing bus ticket machine data and some sample data sources, allowing them to be used for a range of analysis applications that transport service providers may previously have been unable to or found difficult to undertake. To this end, as a new transport data source, the paper firstly reviews the nature of smart-card data. The paper then goes on to examine the impact of smart-card data in relation to two case studies—one concerning its impact on the data collection process and one looking at the impact on travel behaviour analysis.
Keeping buses moving: role of intelligent transport systems
Authors: Hounsell N.B.
Published: November 2009

The ever-increasing problem of traffic congestion in towns and cities presents a huge challenge, in particular to local authorities. The push to keep traffic moving, and the need to encourage modal shift away from the car and towards public transport, means that any measures to improve bus travel are highly desirable. This paper illustrates a range of ways in which intelligent transport systems can support bus operations, with an emphasis on ‘keeping buses moving’. It also highlights, however, that such innovations need to be backed up by the necessary funding and commitment, and by improved skills in systems specification and subsequent operations and management.
The role of marketing in quality bus corridor promotion
Authors: Rye T. , Enoch M.
Published: November 2009

Quality bus corridors (QBCs) are being implemented in towns and cities throughout the British Isles in order to improve the image of the bus and to boost patronage, with a view to meeting local and national transport policy objectives such as reduced reliance on the private car. QBC initiatives commonly consist of bus priority measures, improved vehicles, enhanced waiting environments, better information and, sometimes, enhanced service frequencies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of the marketing of the QBC concept to the achievement of its objectives: are infrastructure and services sufficient, or will careful marketing increase awareness of the QBC and hence its overall effectiveness? To answer this question, the paper considers empirical experience of QBC implementation in one smaller and two larger urban areas in Britain—with its largely deregulated bus system—and the Republic of Ireland. Based on interview data from local authorities and operators, and on other unpublished information, comparisons are drawn between the QBC experience in Perth and Edinburgh in Scotland and Dublin in Ireland. The British examples are of interest because of their creation of an overall image for bus travel—through Greenways in Edinburgh, and Kick Start in Perth. Their Irish comparator has invested in vehicles and infrastructure, with less attention paid to the overall image of the QBCs. The paper will assess whether or not this is important.
Briefing: Kick Start—better value, better bus services
Authors: Souter Brian , Nash Peter , Rosscraig Elaine , Stewart Steven
Published: November 2009

Stagecoach Group has developed an innovative proposal for a new dedicated fund to pump-prime specific bus improvement projects. This initiative, known as Kick Start, is driven by the entrepreneurial expertise of bus operators, who carry the business risk and have an incentive to grow passenger volumes, rather than by local authority planners. Central and local government already play a key role in developing non-commercial, socially necessary bus services by working in partnership with bus operators and providing public support. However, the company believes there is a compelling case for a new partnership approach that will tap a latent commercial market across the country that cannot be accessed by bus operators without Government support. This paper describes how Kick Start can attract people out of their cars and into buses, deliver better value for taxpayers, produce better bus services for communities and help Government achieve its growth targets on the UK's bus network.
Evaluation of UK waterway regeneration and restoration
Authors: Maeer G. , Millar G.
Published: November 2009

Following the original boom of Britain's network of navigable rivers and canals during the Industrial Revolution, the waterways fell into decline following the Second World War. Now this trend has been reversed, under the care and management of British Waterways. This paper outlines the restoration work undertaken, and the economic benefits are illustrated by means of a recent case study on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Leisure—realising the dream
Authors: Thackray J. , Otter W. , Huxford R.
Published: November 2009

Britain's rural road network is one of the country's most valuable assets, both spiritually and economically. However, the remorseless rise in traffic volumes over the past few decades has taken its toll as urban features encroach upon the rural landscape. The failure of successive governments to address the needs of non-motorised users has only exacerbated the problem. This paper highlights the difficulties that have accrued from failing to recognise the full effects of incremental change and proposes a model for a ‘public realm strategy’ that engineers are urged to support.
Reservoirs as leisure resources—and their value
Authors: Nickolds G.
Published: November 2009

As well as their public water supply function, reservoirs can also provide a valuable recreation resource and substantial economic benefits to the surrounding community. These in turn are capable of providing additional benefits to the operating company. This paper explores these benefits with particular reference to the development and management of Carsington Water, on the fringe of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire.
Coastal defence—current UK practice
Authors: Wright M.
Published: November 2009

Coastal defence is a composite term covering both coast protection and sea defence, with these activities now being actively managed by the various authorities involved, to comply with the Government's policy to ‘reduce the risks to people and the developed and natural environment from flooding and coastal erosion by encouraging the provision of technically, environmentally and economically sound and sustainable defence measures’. This paper shows how the various authorities actively involved in the overall management of the coastline have increasingly worked together to achieve this strategic policy requirement.
Development of deterioration models for local authority roads
Authors: Stephenson M. , Epps R. , Kennedy C.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the use of an 11-year time series of condition measurements obtained from a random sample of road sections on all classes of one local authority's roads to evaluate the changing condition of the sections. The condition has been defined in terms of macro-texture, rut depth and longitudinal profile. Deterioration models have been developed using the repeat measurements after allowing for routine measurements. The results have also allowed initial estimates of required maintenance cycles to be established for macro-texture and for the development of rut depths. Longitudinal roughness values collected as part of the study suggest that the roads included in the study have overall structural capacity and that only the surface layers deteriorate.
Geotechnical aspects of sewage sludge monofills
Authors: O'Kelly B. C.
Published: November 2009

More stringent controls on the quality of wastewater discharges are giving rise to increasing volumes of sewage sludge for disposal. Within the European Community, the disposal of sewage sludge to sea ceased by 1998 under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Stricter waste disposal legislation and higher landfill taxes are forcing the water industry to look for more efficient disposal strategies. Dedicated sludge-to-landfill operations are presented as a viable option. The sewage sludge is dewatered to the optimum water content for compaction, placed in the landfill in layers and compacted to the maximum dry density, thereby maximising the operational life of the landfill site. The design, construction and long-term performance of such monofills are described. Adequate levels of dewatering for the sludge-to-landfill route can best be achieved at the treatment plant using conventional mechanical dewatering devices, sludge drying beds or thermal drying processes.
Briefing: Bringing brownfield sites back into use
Authors: Carey A.
Published: November 2009

To meet Government targets for the building of infrastructure and new homes, particularly in London and the South East, redundant brownfield sites will need to be rapidly brought into use. This paper describes the challenges surrounding these aspirations, specifically the problems that accompany brownfield developments. These are outlined by reference to specific building projects undertaken by St George during its 17 years of developing in London, on brownfield sites. The paper also describes the company's areas of research and concludes by making recommendations for the future.
Sustainable urban development and drainage
Authors: Ellis J. B. , Scholes L. , Revitt D. M. , Oldham J.
Published: November 2009

The recent Barker Report on housing supply has identified serious shortages which partly result from slow planning decisions and conservative interpretations of Planning Policy Guidance 3 (PPG3) development rules. Increased and wider stakeholder interests and associated consultation times are also stretching out medium- to large-scale development approval times. Sustainable development design for high-density masterplanning, based on enhanced lifestyle and environmental parameters and which incorporate sustainable drainage systems are proposed, which bring together the apparently contradictory objectives of PPG3 development and PPG25 flood risk regulations.