URBAN PLANNING FOR REDUCED CAR USE

The increase in car ownership not only has adverse effects on the environment but also causes more accidents. Traffic mobility is reduced and public transport finds it difficult to compete. Construction of bypasses, economic measures, improvement of public transport and planning measures must be implemented in combination. An outline examination has been made of the relations between development structure, transport systems and travel habits in all metropolitan regions. The areas of all regions have greatly increased. This has made public transport less accessible. Workplaces and shopping centres are located outside urban areas. Car travel will increase. More research is needed into how women use their cars. What is needed is a proper balance between transport demand generated by living standards and urban structure and the supply of transport provided by transport system. It is essential to have: 1) a decision base that illustrates consequences of action alternatives, 2) a decision organisation which can take and enforce decisions.