We’re good at the technical side of transport – but do we understand the policy process?

Aurang Zeb, London Borough of Richmond

20 January 2012

Aurang Zeb is head of highways & transport at the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. The views expressed in this article are his own and not those of Richmond.

The Government’s proposal for a high-speed rail network has generated an interesting debate in professional and political circles. Depending upon one’s perspective, both sides, for and against the proposal, seem to have perfectly legitimate arguments to support their viewpoint. The proponents of the proposal see this as a perfectly reasonable response to our current and future transport needs. Similarly, those who are against the scheme find the proposal not stacking up to the norms...