Public attitudes to technological risk : the contribution of survey data to public policy-making.

Bibliography: p. 426

Reprinted from Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers; 1984; Vol. 9; p. 419-426

Reprint

A growth in public awareness and concern over the hazards caused by technological and industrial development has become increasingly evident during the last two decades. Equally, it is now more widely accepted by regulatory authorities that public attitudes should form an essential part of the decision-making process over specific risks. This paper considers the value of attitudinal survey data in reflecting public concern and in informing policies for hazard control. Following a brief review of the relevant literature on risk perception, the example of one attitudinal survey is offered as a basis for discussion. This survey was conducted within the Halton area of North West England focusing in particular on chemical and road traffic hazards. The Halton example allows a wider consideration of the possible pitfalls and dangers, as well as the advantages, of attitudinal surveys in public policy terms. The discussion also considers the nature of risk perception as a concept and as a guide to public acceptability. Finally, it is argued that such evidence can be invaluable provided it is used to stimulate rather than stifle informed debate. However, the production of `usable' knowledge may involve a changing role for both researchers and decision-makers