Urban transport challenges outlined in book

Transport and urban planning academic Dr Imran Muhammad has launched a book on sustainable transport in Pakistan, which could offer lessons for transport planning in New Zealand.

His book Institutional Barriers to Sustainable Urban Transport in Pakistan is published by Oxford University Press.

Dr Muhammad, who is a lecturer in resource and environmental planning at the School of People, Environment and Planning, says while his book uses the country of his birth as a case study, it also calls on readers of all nations who are interested in finding sustainable solutions to urban transport issues to take the twin issues of climate change and peak oil seriously.

It outlines how large-scale road building and associated infrastructure to accommodate private car traffic has become dominant in large cities and has overridden the development of integrated rail and bus systems, and planning for safe walking and cycling.

Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey says the book contains a strong message about the environmental long-term impact of the motor vehicle and would appeal to people interested in both transport issues and the climate change debate.

Guests including the High Commissioner for Pakistan Syed Ibne Abbas and MP Ashraf Choudhary also joined Dr Muhammad at the book launch.