Insularity and sustainable transport : Challenges and perspectives – Reunion Island, a case in point

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to propose answers to such questions as: are major road projects currently implemented on Reunion Island sufficient to conclusively solve the problems of traffic congestion and urban sprawl? What coercive measures are to be implemented by local authorities for post‐project period management? Which option should be chosen: congestion charges and regulations, or access rights and permits? Design/methodology/approach – This paper is in four parts. First, the paper explains the various constraints to be overcome in road infrastructure and land development. Then the main characteristics of road transport are described. Third, the characteristics, cost and expected role are presented. Last, the various solutions are compared. Findings – Developing road infrastructures may appear as a solution to the congestion problem. Therefore, only quality public transport development and incentive measures to control traffic can reduce road congestion in the long run – provided the alternative is technically feasible, economically motivating and reliable enough for motorists to leave their cars at home. Originality/value – The originality of this paper is to underline the specific constraints dictated by its geographical features resulting in additional costs and technical difficulties and to mention the disastrous effects of its essentially car‐based transportation policy. It also suggests the implementation of traffic permits or tolls to access to the road infrastructures even if of such policies is not easy due to a lot of social constraints.