A Model for Road Transport in France and the UK, 1910–1930

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. At the aggregate origin–destination level, the model shows strong agreement with observed historical travel times, while also making explicit the uncertainties introduced by historical cartography, georeferencing, DEM‐derived slope estimates, and simplified assumptions about vehicle performance and driving behavior. This framework not only provides a solid foundation for analyzing historical accessibility and market potential but also offers a replicable and adaptable approach applicable to other historical contexts and regions.