Technological innovations aimed at making cars cleaner have led to substantial reductions in the emissions of exhaust gasses. Therefore, most people have a lot of trust in technological innovations. Technological innovations are also very popular, because they do not restrict people's freedom of choice. However, technological measures are not enough to reduce the problems of car use. First, the effect of technological innovations tend to be overtaken by the ongoing growth of car use. Second, technological innovations are only effective if people use them in the right way. People have to accept, buy and use the innovations. Third, technological innovations may have unwanted effects. Technological innovations are very useful and necessary, but not enough. Technological measures assume behaviour change, or may cause unwanted behaviour change. Effective solutions of the problem of car use require coordinated efforts from different disciplines, such as technical scientists, behaviour scientists, urban planners, and economists. (A)
Abstract