Elements of an integrated transport system

Roads

Local governments, as the responsible authority for local roads, can do much to further the development of sustainable transport in their localities. Under the Road Management Act 2004, they are empowered to:

• Design, construct, maintain and manage the local road network;
• Undertake traffic management through roadworks, lane marking and signage; and
• Allocate and control kerbside use for parking including taxi ranks, bus stops and loading zones for both local and arterial roads within built up areas.

One of the most challenging local road issues for local governments is car parking. On the one hand, parking represents a powerful travel demand tool local governments could use to discourage car use. On the other hand, parking is a major attractor to local facilities and highly valued by commercial interests. For more information, read the information sheet here.

Freight

Local governments need to reconcile the efficiency and economic value of freight traffic against amenity, safety, noise and pollution impacts in the local environment. Ideally freight movements can be contained on the arterial network; however local businesses and destinations will generate freight trips, and in established suburbs and regional areas the arterial network and designated truck routes will move through residential areas and activity centres. For more information, read the information sheet here.

Public Transport

Public transport is a fundamentally important community resource. It is unevenly distributed, with some areas enjoying multiple services and some none at all. While local governments are not generally the provider of public transport, they contend with many issues that result from public transport shortage: excessive car use, congestion, parking pressure, accidents, pollution and social problems of isolation, ill-health and obesity. For more information, read the information sheet here.

Cycling & Walking

Cycling and walking are two of the most sustainable forms of transport, and can bring valuable economic, social and environmental benefits to the community. Local governments have a major role to play in developing cycling and walking within their municipalities and establishing sustainable transport as a real option for the community. For more informaton, read the information sheet here.

Community Transport

Groups with limited mobility can look to local governments to provide some means of transport. Local governments often find that community members are unable to get to local services and activities due to transport unavailability. To alleviate isolation and facilitate access, many local governments either provide a community bus service or coordinate with a local provider. For more information, read the information sheet here.