Constructing an integrated stakeholder-based participatory policy evaluation model for urban traffic restriction

Effectively evaluating public policy based on diverse public interests and requirements under the incremental social change in a developing city is a critical challenge. Fairness and an objective policy evaluation process need to be considered to deliver the expected policy value with large-scale population concerns. This study attempts to propose a novel stakeholder-based policy evaluation model to drive the enhancement of policy evaluation through three phases, that is, (1) policy document analysis, (2) evaluators identification, and (3) participatory policy evaluation. In Phase 1, a selection of policy measures and policy stakeholders’ identification are analysed using a document analysis approach. In Phase 2, evaluators identification procedures are adopted to identify key participants through social network analysis (SNA). Finally, AHP-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is used in the third phase to better evaluate the policy. Then, a comprehensive case study of the urban traffic restriction policy of Xi'an City is demonstrated to verify this approach. Public participation and the indirect effect are revealed as vital factors that impact the effectiveness and vitality of public policy development. The implications are discussed to obtain valuable insights for suggestions on future policies.