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Divergence or Convergence? Devolution and Transport Policy in the United Kingdom

Author

Listed:
  • Jon Shaw

    (Centre for Sustainable Transport and School of Geography, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, England)

  • Danny MacKinnon

    (Department of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland)

  • Iain Docherty

    (Department of Management, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland)

Abstract

We examine the impact of devolution in the United Kingdom on transport policies in the first two terms of devolved government, from 1999/2000 to 2007/08. In particular, we discuss the nature and extent of policy convergence and divergence between the devolved territories (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and London) and England (wherein responsibility for policy formulation remains with the UK government at Westminster), and between the devolved territories themselves. Our analysis builds on existing work on devolution and public policy not only through its focus on transport policy, but also by distinguishing between ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical’ dimensions of policy divergence and convergence, referring to relations between territories and to links to previous policies adopted within the same territory, respectively. Findings point to a convergence of overarching transport strategies and a complex picture of both convergence and divergence in terms of specific policy measures. The latter provides evidence of a devolution effect on transport policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon Shaw & Danny MacKinnon & Iain Docherty, 2009. "Divergence or Convergence? Devolution and Transport Policy in the United Kingdom," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 27(3), pages 546-567, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:27:y:2009:i:3:p:546-567
    DOI: 10.1068/c0899r
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Goodwin & Martin Jones & Rhys Jones, 2005. "Devolution, constitutional change and economic development: Explaining and understanding the new institutional geographies of the British state," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(4), pages 421-436.
    2. Rhys Jones & Mark Goodwin & Martin Jones & Glenn Simpson, 2004. "Devolution, State Personnel, and the Production of New Territories of Governance in the United Kingdom," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 36(1), pages 89-109, January.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Rye, Tom & Monios, Jason & Hrelja, Robert & Isaksson, Karolina, 2018. "The relationship between formal and informal institutions for governance of public transport," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 196-206.
    3. Tønnesen, Anders, 2015. "Policy packages and state engagement: Comparing car-use reduction policy in two Norwegian cities," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 89-98.
    4. Johnson, Rebecca & Shaw, Jon & Berding, Jörn & Gather, Matthias & Rebstock, Markus, 2017. "European national government approaches to older people's transport system needs," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 17-27.

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