Abstract
This paper discusses the environmental problems caused in Germany by motor vehicles. Special attention is given to air pollution and noise problems caused by freight traffic. Measures which can be taken in connection with freight traffic to overcome these problems areconsidered. These include improvements to vehicle technology, traffic-related measures and special measures for freight traffic in towns. The latter may include bans on freight traffic at certain times, advantages for low-emitting vehicles, freight traffic plans, freight traffic centres and freight traffic routes. German research projects investigating the possibilty of changing the modal split in freight transport are noted.