The main aspect of this work is a report on who matters in making decisions on transport projects and policies. The roles of both individuals and groups involved in the decision making process on transport projects and transport policies will be examined. In this context, transport projects are for example new infrastructure projects, whereas transport policies refer to the regulation and pricing of transport.
First, the British system of decision making in transport is described, followed by a brief description of the German system and a comparison of both systems. Then the influence of pressure groups is examined and some examples of successful pressure group interference are presented. Two case studies examine the decision making process in practice and illustrate the variety of involved parties. Finally, some major conclusions are drawn, reflecting the author’s personal opinion.
Table of Contents
1 Assignment
2 Decision-makers in transport politics in Britain
2.1 Central Government
2.2 Local government
2.3 The influence of European Union policies
3 Comparison of the British and the German transport policy system
3.1 A short overview of the German system
3.1.1 Federal level responsibilities
3.1.2 Federal state level responsibilities
3.1.3 Communal level responsibilities
3.2 Major differences between the British and the German transport policy system
4 The role of interest and pressure groups
4.1 Principles of interest and pressure groups
4.2 Examples of successful interventions
5 Case study 1: the METRORAPID project in Germany
5.1 Introduction
5.2 The involved parties
5.3 Summary
6 Case study 2: the heavy goods vehicle toll on German motorways
6.1 Introduction
6.2 The decision in detail
6.3 Summary
7 Conclusions
7.1 Summary
7.2 The division between local and central responsibilities
7.3 Do we need pressure groups?
7.4 The growing importance of courts in decision-making
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this report is to analyze the decision-making processes regarding transport projects and policies in the United Kingdom and Germany. It investigates which stakeholders—ranging from government bodies to private companies and pressure groups—exert influence on these outcomes, while highlighting the distinct institutional differences between the two nations.
- Comparison of British and German transport governance structures
- Role and influence of formal government entities and the European Union
- Impact of informal actors such as interest and pressure groups
- Practical analysis of transport infrastructure projects and policy decisions
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 Federal level responsibilities
In Germany, the department for transport is integrated into a large ministry responsible for transport, building and housing (Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau- und Wohnungswesen). Therefore, the department not only focuses on transport matters, but always tries to take into consideration land use problems as well. There is a special sub-department within the ministry responsible for the integration of transport and land use policies. Its main objective is the development of long-term policies and principles.
Another sub-department is concerned with road traffic. Building and maintaining of all motorways (Bundesautobahn) and federal trunk roads (Bundesstrasse) are tasks of this federal level authority. However, the actual maintenance work is carried out by the federal states by order of the federal government. Also the expansion of the existing network is delegated to the federal state level by the department for transport. The financing of both motorways and trunk roads belongs to the responsibility of the federal government. Currently, there are some discussions about delegating maintenance work to private companies, and also the construction of new motorways and trunk roads is transferred to private companies in many cases.
Summary of Chapters
1 Assignment: Defines the report's purpose in examining decision-makers and stakeholders within transport projects and policies.
2 Decision-makers in transport politics in Britain: Analyzes the roles of central and local government and the impact of EU policies on the British transport system.
3 Comparison of the British and the German transport policy system: Outlines the structural differences, particularly the German three-tier system versus the British two-tier system.
4 The role of interest and pressure groups: Explores the informal influence of lobby groups and the media on transport policy and project interventions.
5 Case study 1: the METRORAPID project in Germany: Examines the planning and financing complexities of the magnetic levitation train project.
6 Case study 2: the heavy goods vehicle toll on German motorways: Discusses the introduction of road tolls and the power struggles between government, industry, and courts.
7 Conclusions: Synthesizes findings on the roles of bureaucrats, private companies, and pressure groups in shaping transport agendas.
Keywords
Transport Policy, Infrastructure Projects, Government Institutions, Decision-making, Pressure Groups, Lobbyism, METRORAPID, Heavy Goods Vehicle Toll, European Union, Centralization, Federalism, Public Inquiries, Sustainable Transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the decision-making process for transport infrastructure and policy, identifying the primary actors who influence these outcomes in the UK and Germany.
Which key stakeholders are analyzed in the document?
The analysis covers formal actors like central and local government departments, the European Union, and informal actors including private corporations, industry lobby groups, and environmental pressure groups.
What is the primary objective of this report?
The goal is to determine 'who matters' in transport decisions by analyzing the interactions between institutional frameworks and interest groups.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author uses a comparative methodology and case study analysis to contrast different political and administrative systems regarding transport management.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers organizational structures of transport governance, the influence of pressure groups, and specific case studies like the METRORAPID project and the German motorway toll.
Which terms best characterize this work?
Key concepts include institutional governance, infrastructure project management, stakeholder analysis, and the influence of private interests on public policy.
How do German and British systems differ according to the text?
The German system operates on a three-tier model involving federal, state, and local authorities, while the British system typically functions on a two-tier model involving central and local governments.
How does the role of the judiciary affect transport decisions?
The text notes a growing importance of the courts, as corporations increasingly initiate legal actions to challenge government decisions or procurement processes, potentially delaying infrastructure projects.
- Citation du texte
- Frank Gümmer (Auteur), 2002, Transport institutions and politics in the UK and Germany: Who matters in making transport policy decisions?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/18822
