ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to explore the wider applicability of conclusions drawn from the observation of transport crises. For the purposes of the chapter, a transport crisis is taken to be a relatively short period of time during which key features of a transport system are seriously compromised. Changes in mode of transport were relatively uncommon although there was some increase in walking, cycling, car sharing and the use of public transport. The fuel blockaders tapped into a vein of support from the media and the general public because they were able to portray themselves as the champions of the motorist and tax payer fighting a tax-hungry and anti-car government. Transport is overwhelmingly dependent on one type of fuel. This leaves the economy dangerously vulnerable to disruptions in supply and to dramatic increases in price. Transport crises can engender a sense of community and common purpose but the majority response is self-interest.
