Transport policy and health inequalities: a health impact assessment of Edinburgh's transport policy

Gorman, D., Douglas, M.J., Conway, L., Noble, P.W. and Hanlon, P.W. (2003) Transport policy and health inequalities: a health impact assessment of Edinburgh's transport policy. Public Health, 117(1), pp. 15-24. (doi: 10.1016/S0033-3506(02)00002-1)

Abstract

Health impact assessment (HIA) can be used to examine the relationships between inequalities and health. This HIA of Edinburgh's transport policy demonstrates how HIA can examine how different transport policies can affect different population groupings to varying degrees. In this case, Edinburgh's economy is based on tourism, financial services and Government bodies. These need a good transport infrastructure, which maintains a vibrant city centre. A transport policy that promotes walking, cycling and public transport supports this and is also good for health. The HIA suggested that greater spend on public transport and supporting sustainable modes of transport was beneficial to health, and offered scope to reduce inequalities. This message was understood by the City Council and influenced the development of the city's transport and land-use strategies. The paper discusses how HIA can influence public policy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Health impact assessment; Road traffic accidents; Health
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hanlon, Professor Phil
• Authors: Gorman, D., Douglas, M.J., Conway, L., Noble, P.W., and Hanlon, P.W.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine; H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Public Health
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0033-3506
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2003 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Public Health 117(1):15-24
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher