Developing countries still have a chance to avoid the mistakes made by the West. Activists like transport planner Michael Replogle advocate sustainable transport strategies that meet the basic mobility needs of all without destroying the resource base . The net result of car-centred development, says Replogle, is to boost imports, increase foreign debt and make life worse for the poor. In industrial countries, mounting concern over environmental issues is moving transport planning to the top of the political agenda. New highways soon fill up and the problem re-emerges.
Effective ways have to be found to stop people driving cars unless absolutely necessary.
That means driving must be made expensive and inconvenient. But restricting the freedom to drive will fail unless public transport is cheap, efficient and convenient. Buses and light rail systems make far more environmental sense than private cars. The best way to stop car use is for people to live closer to where they work and shop. Town planners and some visionary architects are dredging the past for ideas.