In developing a transport strategy or plan it is essential to be clear as to what the strategy or plan is designed to achieve. The answer to this question can be expressed at varying levels of generality or detail, from broad statements of vision, through strategic objectives, to more specific objectives and lists of problems to be overcome.

There are in practice, two different approaches that can be adopted to identifying objectives and related problems. The first is the true objectives-led approach in which objectives are used to identify problems by assessing the extent to which current or predicted future conditions, in the absence of new policy measures, fail to meet the objectives.

The alternative approach is problem-led, using data on current (or predicted future) conditions to identify when and where these problems occur. The objectives are implicit in the specified problems, and may never actually be stated. This approach has the merits of being easily understood. However, it is dependent on developing a full list of potential problems at the outset.

Key Entry Points:

Introductory Material

Overview pages briefly summarise each of the Government’s five Objectives for transport and their Sub-Objectives.

An Introduction to Transport Analysis, (TAG Unit 1.1) provides an introduction to the principles of transport appraisal.

Guidance for the Project Manager

Objectives and Problems (TAG Unit 2.2) sets out the approach to be used in the identification of objectives and problems.

The Overall Approach: Steps in the Process (TAG Unit 2.1) presents a flow diagram applicable to a range of transport studies that involve appraisal. The flow diagram shows how problem identification and objective setting fit into the process.

Guidance for the Expert

Appraisal (TAG Unit 3.2) describes the detailed methodology that should be followed in appraising transport schemes.

A full list of TAG Units is available on the Documents page.