A model for road transport in France and the UK, 1910-1930

Alexis Litvine (), Thomas Thévenin (), Arthur Starzec (), Patrick Mille (), Isabelle Séguy () and Guillaume Proffit
Additional contact information
Alexis Litvine: University of Cambridge, https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-alexis-litvine
Thomas Thévenin: Université de Bourgogne, https://thema.univ-fcomte.fr/page_personnelle/tthevenin
Arthur Starzec: University of Cambridge, https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-arthur-starzec
Patrick Mille: Université de Bourgogne, https://thema.univ-fcomte.fr/page_personnelle/pmille
Isabelle Séguy: INED, https://www.ined.fr/fr/recherche/chercheurs/s%C3%A9guy+isabelle

No 44, Working Papers from Department of Economic and Social History at the University of Cambridge

Abstract: This article introduces a methodology for the creation of historical road transport networks, focussing on France and the UK between 1910 and 1930. We construct the first road networks for both countries in the early twentieth century, the key take-off period of motoring. We differentiate roads according to quality, width, and surfacing. We offer significant methodological innovation in the creation of historical speed models. To achieve an accurate calibration of car speeds, we extracted historical vehicle performance and developed a slope-dependent speed model. Our empirical validation process compares the predicted travel times with a new data set of historical observed travel times. The model demonstrates a high degree of accuracy, significantly enhancing the reliability of historical travel-time modelling. This framework not only provides a solid foundation for analysing historical accessibility and market potential, but also offers a replicable and adaptable approach applicable to other historical contexts and regions.

JEL-codes: L92 N74 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-03-19, Revised 2025-03-19
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his and nep-tre
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Published in Cambridge Working Paper in Economic & Social History, No. 44

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