Dispelling the myths of transport growth:: a critical appraisal and some introductory remarks

This article argues that the usual connections between economic growth, transport growth and environmental pollution are not inevitable. A shift to less polluting transport modes, such as rail and waterways, would have a lower environmental impact for the same quantity of goods transported. Technological development alone will not be able to reduce transport-related pollution. Recent European Community (EC) initiatives have introduced the concept of 'sustainable mobility', effectively applied technical standards and technological improvements, and made explicit calls for action. However, it is not yet clear whether the EC is really willing to accept a radical shift in transport policy, as the planned trans-European infrastructure networks include extensive motorway development and do not yet adequately integrate different modal networks into an intermodal Trans-European Transport Network. Only an integrated approach can adjust transport policy to environmental considerations.