Discussion on Papers 5–8

Mr T.J. POWELL (Introducing Paper 6 on behalf of Mr I. Thomson): It is significant that six out of seven countries in the Southern Cone of South America have carried out national transport studies - some of them more than once. There are various reasons for this, including an element of competitive cultural emulation, but one reason is the need to plan for further development of the highway sector. Many countries have built up a substantial road construction capability over the past 20-30 years to cater for the growing efficiency and reliability of the motor vehicle, which is tending to replace the older rail- and water-based transport as the prime mode in many countries. However, they are now finding that the more obvious improvements have been completed and there is a danger of diminishing returns from further investment.