This paper aims to: (1) provide a social psychological diagnosis of the motorised transport system in terms of individual motives and social dilemmas; (2) discuss the usefulness of six general strategies for social behaviour change; and (3) emphasise the need to elaborate comprehensive scenarios for sustainable transport development. First, there is a statistical description of the developments in motorised transport since about 1960, and some expected developments up to the year 2000 are outlined. During the 20th century, motor vehicles have become very attractive and thus very important to most Europeans. Their use has enormously accelerated social and economic activity patterns, and had large and increasing environmental impacts. As a result, there are fundamental social conflicts between many different individual interests and a few common interests. Transport mode choice is one such social dilemma. The following strategies for resolving social dilemmas are discussed: (1) provision of physical alternatives and rearrangements; (2) regulation and enforcement; (3) financial-economic stimulation; (4) provision of information, education and communication; (5) social modelling and support; and (6) organisational change. An integrated 'sustainable' transport system can be realised, only by simultaneously and consistently applying different strategies for social behaviour change, and introducing a variety of specific policy measures. For the covering abstract of the seminar see IRRD 867393
Abstract