Published 14 Oct 2025
S4. Ep 17. Talking with Ben Thomson about the Psychology Behind Traffic, Parking and Urban Planning
Hey folks, thanks for hitting play on another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This time, I'm joined by Ben Thomson, Traffic and Transport Engineer at Ratio Consultants, to explore how our streets really work and why they sometimes don't.
We dive into car parking psychology, the balance between people and cars, e-scooters, 30km speed zones, and the transport challenges of greenfield vs inner-city suburbs. If you're shaping communities, navigating planning, or just wondering why your street looks the way it does, this one's for you.
Takeaways:
- ✅Why traffic engineers are people experts, not just planners
- ✅The emotional politics behind "my parking spot"
- ✅Designing streets for people, not just cars
- ✅Transport challenges in greenfield vs inner-city areas
- ✅The policy gaps behind the rise of e-scooters and e-bikes
- ✅Balancing ideal planning with real-world constraints
- ✅How early design decisions shape long-term outcomes
Chapters:
- 04:15 – Understanding Traffic Engineering and Its Impact
- 06:01 – The Role of AI in Traffic Engineering
- 08:40 – Day-to-day Responsibilities of a Traffic Engineer
- 11:20 – Challenges in Traffic Engineering Projects
- 14:13 – Emotional Aspects of Traffic Planning
- 25:53 – Designing Streets for People, Not Just Cars
- 30:29 – Transforming Urban Spaces: The Times Square Example
- 39:00 – Balancing Cars and Pedestrians in Urban Design
- 42:24 – The Impact of Speed Limits on Community Safety
- 52:51 – E-Mobility: The Future of Urban Transport
- 01:07:21 – Global Perspectives on Informal Transport
- 01:09:05 – Innovative Transport Alternatives in Australia
- 01:23:32 – The Role of Pets in Urban Planning
Step behind the scenes of the built environment and hear what really makes streets and cities work, for people and for progress.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#TrafficEngineering #UrbanPlanning #SmartCities #TransportDesign #EScooters #GreenfieldGrowth #MelbournePlanning #BuiltEnvironment #ParkingDesign #CityMobility #PublicTransport #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #InfrastructurePlanning
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!
www.housingallaustralians.org.au
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor the guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
Contact The Building Talks Podcast
Building Talks Podcast
Talking to professionals in construction, property development, architecture, and beyond.
.svg)
