Behaviour theory and soft transport policy measures

The aim is to propose a theoretical grounding of soft transport policy measures that aim at promoting voluntary reduction of car use. A general conceptual framework is first presented to clarify how hard and soft transport policy measures impact on car-use reduction. Two different behavioural theories that have been used to account for car use and car-use reduction are then integrated in a self-regulation theory that identifies four stages of the process of voluntarily changing car use: setting a car-use reduction goal, forming a plan for achieving the goal, initiating and executing the plan, and evaluating the outcome of the plan execution. A number of techniques are described that facilitate the different stages of the process of voluntary car-use reduction and which should be used in personalized travel planning programs.

Research highlight►A summary of current evidence supporting the effectiveness of soft transport policies is presented ►Frequently used behavioral theories for explaining car use and car use reduction are discussed ►A new stage model focusing of voluntary car use reduction is presended. ►It is demonstrated how to use the new model for systematic development of soft transport policies ►Research lines needed for the further development of effective soft transport policies are discussed