Tom Ludvigson Research

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This paper presents an overview of recent research into community responses to road transport changes, and presents five 'lessons' learned to highlight common community responses that are easy to miss in assessments, due to their low visibility. The research used a re-analysis of existing data on New Zealand community responses to build a predictive model, and develop guidelines and practical analytic tools to aid in assessing community responses. The five lessons drawn from the research revolve around the need for consultation and dialogue to gain access to community information that is crucial but has low visibility.

Matrix Analysis is a stepwise procedure designed for engineers and planning practitioners to use when assessing community effects and responses to planned transport changes. The report describes how to conduct a Matrix Analysis of project effects, and is based on research into community responses to transport system changes.1 The research was one component in a larger research programme aimed to determine the impact of light and heavy vehicle traffic on local communities, and the expectations of those communities of the road transport system, in order to guide the sustainable development of the road transport system.

This investigation was commissioned by Road Transport Forum NZ (RTF), New Zealand Forest Owner’s Association (NZFOA) and Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC) to provide an overview and assessment of the driver shortage problem from a truck transport industry perspective, and to recommend a coordinated and prioritised program of action to address the shortage.

This paper presents research findings, in the form of a model of community / transport system interactions. The findings are based on a review of documents produced in the context of transport related resource consent applications; augmented by interviews with traffic planners and traffic engineers. The particular focus of the review was community concerns as identified in analyses of public submissions or public consultations regarding traffic related developments. The objective of the review of documents showing communities’ issues and perspectives on proposed developments was to identify significant commonalties and differences in the concerns expressed. The research was one component in a larger research programme aimed to determine the impact of light and heavy vehicle traffic on local communities, and the expectations of those communities of the road transport system, in order to guide the sustainable development of the road transport system.

These Guidelines for community consultation are based on research using project documents. They are aimed to assist in early identification of community effects and responses to transport infrastructure projects.

The main goal of this study was to examine the effects of heavy vehicles on residents living on main truck routes. The study aimed to examine the effects of heavy vehicles on residents from several perspectives; how concerns regarding heavy vehicles fit into the broader picture of general community concerns; how issues with heavy vehicles compare to other traffic concerns (e.g. traffic volume and speed); and finally, how heavy vehicles affect residents daily lives and activities.

Social research was carried out in New Zealand with truck drivers and other road transport industry stakeholders. Truck drivers' perspectives and issues were documented and analysed to develop appropriate solutions to enhance industry efficiency and safety. Drivers' issues were found to be focused on paperwork, yard logistics, breakdowns and compliance with legal requirements, and mostly revolved around uncertainties associated with loads and time. Information management was identified as a key industry issue. The research found that an integrated cab-centred information system based on Internet technology would enable truck drivers to access, from the truck cab, the right information at the right time.