Almost all policy decisions in the area of transportation involve conflicts with environmental interests. These conflicts arise from the fact that the welfare of large sections of the population is determined not only by the quality of the environment but also by the high degree of mobility that is desired. The result is continuous tension between the mobility needs of persons and goods on the one hand and, on the other hand, the need for space, quietness, and clean air. The interests of transportation and environment should be weighed one against the other to determine the relative priorities. This procedure is of considerable importance and deserves further investigations. To accomplish this, three case studies have been prepared of conflicts relating to quite different studies. All three cases occurred recently in the Netherlands. These studies involve railway noise, transportation, and energy versus the environment, road construction, and landscape protection. Outlined are the backgrounds, selection procedures, results, and conclusions. The chosen cases all relate to quite different aspects of transport policy, but of all three, the common denominator proves to be "efficiency." Furthermore, The role of public opinion, the changing attitude towards public transportation and the problems arising from the analyses of environmental impact are made apparent. Finally, the need for "open- minded ness" with respect to the mutual problems of transport and of the environment is emphasised as an important element in the search for a solution to those conflicts. (A)
Abstract