[1] It played a key role shaping policy in the 2000s (decade) with the publication of a series of authoritative and groundbreaking reports on road pricing, suburban planning, long-distance travel, and the future of transport.
[2] The ITC increased its influence to policymakers since 2010 with a series of reports[3] on UK aviation, freight and logistics, paying for roads, and the spatial effects of High-Speed Rail.
The commission delivers its work by publishing reports and policy papers, hosting special lectures and discussion evenings, and meeting with senior officials.
The 'Independent Transport Commission', as it was then christened, was formally launched at the Royal Society of Arts in October 1999 with a commitment to be politically independent and to focus on evidence-based research.
Sir Patrick led the commission through several major projects, encouraging greater boldness in Labour's transport policy, and leading debate on a number of issues.
Terry Hill (chairman), chairman, Ove Arup Foundation; Bridget Rosewell, commissioner, National Infrastructure Commission; Deborah Saunt, director, DSDHA; Kristine Beuret, director, Social Research Associates; Mary Bonar, partner, First Class Partnerships; John Dawson, chairman, International Road Assessment Programme; Nicholas Finney, consultant, UK Port Advisors; Dr Peter Headicar, reader in transport planning, Oxford Brookes University; Dr Stephen Hickey, chairman, Community Transport Association; Professor Peter Jones, Centre for Transport Studies, University College London; Sarah Kendall, independent consultant; Roger Madelin, head of Canada Water Development, British Land; Steven Norris, chairman, National Infrastructure Planning Association; John Worthington, co-founder, DEGW, and director of The Academy of Urbanism The Independent Transport Commission hosts a regular series of Discussion Evenings[6] at the Alan Baxter Gallery in Farringdon.
This was achieved through an ambitious programme of workshops, expert panels, symposia, European and UK study visits, and the publication of a series of detailed reports at high-profile launch events.
Stemming from issues about the collection and use of freight data and statistics raised in its inaugural project report, the ITC has been exploring this issue closely with policy makers and statisticians at the Department for Transport with a view to helping improve the quality of freight data, thereby measuring more accurately the importance of the sector to the UK economy as well as opportunities for efficiency improvements.
The report was widely reviewed, particularly the conclusion that traffic would eventually become increasingly unmanageable in suburban and rural areas, and helped shift policy in the direction of 'liveable streets'.