The growth of traffic in the alpine region is outlined and reasons for this trend examined. The impact of traffic on the area is described including noise and pollutants, damage to health, soil loads and damage to forests. The particular case of the Brenner Pass is considered. Austria's transport policy for the 1990s, which supports more environmentally friendly modes and the avoidance of unnecessary traffic, is described and areas relating to goods traffic listed. Measures which have been introduced relating to goods traffic are described including the compulsory use of tachographs, night bans, reduction of emission levels, low-noise lorries and noise-absorbing surfaces. The 'Brenner transit corridor' programme is outlined. Statistics are provided for goods traffic on the Brenner Pass, for goods transit by road through Austria, and for both noise and air pollution.
Abstract