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Shared Visions, Unholy Alliances: Power, Governance and Deliberative Processes in Local Transport Planning

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  • Karen Bickerstaff

    (Centre for Environmental Risk (CER), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK, K.Bicker.rtaff@uea.ac.uk)

  • Gordon Walker

    (Department of Geography, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK, g.p.walker@lancaster.ac.uk)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to bring some critical reflection to bear on the upsurge of participatory rhetoric in local governance. The research discussed investigates two case studies of deliberative exercises used by local authorities to develop their local transport plans. The analysis avoids the rather simplistic 'check list' evaluative models based upon the Habermasian ideals of communicative rationality and instead develops an approach which attends to the power relations embedded in the process of participation. Significantly, the research, across a range of stakeholder groups, reveals a deeply problematic relationship between citizen involvement and established structures of democratic decision-making. Attention is drawn to the institutional constraints which account for the limited realisation of the participatory agenda in local governance. Conclusions are also developed relating to both the process of participation evaluation and the wider consequences of the expansion of public involvement for the renewal of local democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Karen Bickerstaff & Gordon Walker, 2005. "Shared Visions, Unholy Alliances: Power, Governance and Deliberative Processes in Local Transport Planning," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(12), pages 2123-2144, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:42:y:2005:i:12:p:2123-2144
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980500332098
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sagaris, Lake, 2018. "Citizen participation for sustainable transport: Lessons for change from Santiago and Temuco, Chile," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 402-410.
    2. Weber, Johann, 2017. "Policy entrepreneurs and opportunities: Establishing a model of policy change through bicycle infrastructure at the municipal level," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 252-263.
    3. Vigar, Geoff, 2017. "The four knowledges of transport planning: Enacting a more communicative, trans-disciplinary policy and decision-making," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 39-45.

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