The search for higher utility alternatives underpins the empirical observation that longer-run demand elasticities tend to be higher than in the short run. However, there is another implication, that there will be a bias if consumer surplus is estimated by the use of a static model. This paper shows that there is a special case where using a static elasticity does not give bias.

The costs and benefits of safety cannot logically be separated from the costs and benefits of mobility. Although the value of life and the value of time are difficult to estimate, there are means available for approaching monetary values. Calculations are given for one well-known safety intervention: the US 55 mph speed limit.

This paper looks at the differences between the private firm and the public planner in timing investment in projects involving large sunk costs in growing markets. It shows that competition in the private sector will drive firms to invest earlier than the socially preferred date whilst a low ratio of private (producer) to public (producer plus consumer) benefits will cause them to delay relative to the socially preferred date. The paper looks at policy instruments for altering the private sector’s timing decision.