This paper evaluates the actual Dutch traffic and transportation policies and discusses new ways to deal with congestion and environmental problems. The current policies fail. In addition, recent adaptations of the Transport Structure Scheme are aimed more at facilitating mobility growth than at changing spatial behaviour of travellers, transport companies and distributors. The basic values behind that behaviour is not involved. A new approach is discussed. Design and implementation of new policies can be seen as a societal learning precess, instead of a collection of interventions by governmental bodies. It is possible to involve many actors in this process. This broad context can cause a break-through in the classical social dilemmas. The central steering role of government is exchanged for a canalising and catalysing role: (1) offering the opportunity for the communicative process that allows society to learn; and (2) supporting those initiatives that offer new perspectives. Government planning bodies might act more in a integrating way than that they produce integrated plans. The commitment of the government with the values and environment of people and organizations is `mirrored' in their commitment with the objectives and plans of the government.
Abstract