Do we count what really counts?

This paper reports on the performance measurement and management processes that have been brought forward for the LTP2 submissions. Far greater emphasis is now being put on the measurement of key outcomes across a range of aspects of quality of life that transport affects (e.g. improved health) as well as those of more obvious relevance (e.g. congestion and accidents). Through desk-top research, a questionnaire and in-depth interviews it is clear that considerable uncertainty exists within the transport planning profession about how to measure these wider quality of life outcomes. As one element of the performance assessment for LTP2, and subsequent financial reward, is progress against targets it seems likely that authorities will avoid bringing forward new and untested indicators that attempt to capture these impacts. This could potentially distort the priorities of the plans, perpetuating the focus on those transport measures that we are comfortable counting. The paper proposes a methodology and provides supporting information to ensure that a suite of indicators that is reflective of the full range of outcomes can be selected and justified. This is a necessary short-term step whilst research attempts to identify the links between transport interventions and wider quality of life outcomes. Only when this has been established will it become clear which outcomes should be measured and over what time periods.