Successful transport decision-making - Osmose

FS 22: Elected officials
Vol 2 - Table of Contents
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T7
What is the elected official's role in
transport decision-making?
Elected officials are chosen by the electorate to represent their
interests in key decisions. They are the representatives of the
community: taking decisions that will benefit local people, and
acting as channels for their suggestions and objections.
Elected officials, such as councillors, take part in the decisionmaking
process by initiating ideas, or supporting or opposing
others' proposals. They do so firstly by shaping the policies of
their political parties. Within the work of the local authority, they
contribute to debates and vote in council meetings. They may
also have a say in appointing officials, drawing up budgets, and
forming strategic policies, as well as, approving specific
projects. An elected official may also take part in subcommittees
and working groups with special responsibilities,
e.g. for transport and planning.
What are their interests and
priorities?
Elected officials are accountable to the communities they
represent. They are public figures, and are usually the first point
of contact for a resident with a complaint. This can mean that
councillors are familiar with the concerns of people that will be
affected by a transport scheme. They may also have a wider
perspective on local issues, such as economic and social
problems that might have a bearing on the preparation of your
project.
A local councillor will usually belong to a political party and
consequently will have party policy to consider in any decisionmaking
process. The amount of control exercised by each party
over its members varies enormously. Councillors may be given
freedom to act according to their personal principles in a given
vote, or may face censure if they go against party policy. Their
political allegiances can cause problems for transport projects;
they might choose to use a controversial scheme for ‘pointscoring’
against opponents.
Councillors' priorities can also be shaped by their need to be reelected,
and the timing of elections. Their need to get public
approval means they might be keen to see a high-profile project
completed before a vote, even if it has to be rushed. While
elected officials often get involved in the finer details of a project
- through work on a sub-committee or working group - most will
be concerned only with the broader picture. They may not fully
understand its complexity: why certain measures need to be
taken, and the amount of technical or administrative work
involved. They can place planners under considerable pressure
in terms of time and budget restrictions. However, supportive
councillors can boost a project significantly. Their higher public
profile can help win government funds, private sponsorship, and
public approval.
Managing the role of elected officials
throughout your project
It is worthwhile undertaking an audit of political attitudes for the
elected officials who may impact on your project. This should
indicate the strength of likely support or opposition to a scheme
and identify key 'movers and shakers' within the political context
as these may be very important at later stages of the decisionmaking
process.
It is important that you make it easy for them to quickly
assimilate the information required to make informed decisions
about your project. Presenting a transport project in the context
of other social issues and potential social benefits to a politician
can increase the level of support for the project.
NOTES
It is important to be aware that the role of elected officials will
vary throughout your project. It is probable that interest will
fluctuate with the level of stakeholder involvement or opposition
to the scheme, and will also be affected by the political process,
including the dates of elections and of votes on your project. You
should also remember that most elected officials are elected to
represent their electorate on a wide range of issues of which
transport is only one and there is likely to be considerable
pressure on their time.
An elected official talking with local community
members about a local transport scheme.
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