Feature
France's road network organization: recent trends
François Cazottes Deputy Director of transport infrastructure
Illustrations © Meddlt
Like in other countries, French road policy is faced with some major challenges.
The basic set of objectives targeted by road authorities (enhanced road safety, reduction of congestion, satisfaction of mobility needs) has been combined with a number of imperatives tied to better recognition of sustainable development issues and considerations paid to new expectations voiced by citizens and road users. In addition, the effects of the current economic downturn and budget constraints related to scaling back public deficits are also a key concern for the French road authorities.
These challenges naturally induce a number of trends in terms of road policies and organizational strategy.