Freight transport is essential to modern urban civilization. No urban area could exist without a reliable freight transport system. Although the private sector is responsible for much of this system, the public sector has a vital role to play in the provision of infrastructure and the establishment of a social and legal framework within which transport can occur. For these reasons, goods movement deserves and is increasingly receiving, explicit consideration in urban transport policy and planning. Many cities around the world have conducted studies aimed at resolving urban goods movement problems and a considerable, if disparate, body of research results are available. This book brings together much of this knowledge and experience in a comprehensive source of information on urban freight, particularly from a public policy or planning viewpoint. It provides both a conceptual basis for urban goods movement analysis and detailed, practical guidelines which may be used directly by those responsible for urban freight policy and planning. The author has worked for over twenty years in this field and he draws upon his experience in Australia, the United States, Great Britain, Canada and The Philippines to produce a book which is international in scope and perspective. The book is written for practising professionals, such as engineers, economists and planners, working in local government, urban transport planning agencies, highway authorities, consultancies, or research institutes; it is also relevant to graduate courses in transport planning, traffic engineering or urban policy. It is of interest to all who have a concern for contemporary issues in urban development.
