One of the major challenges for urban planning at the end of the century is the problem that the continuous growth in traffic has had on the achievement of sustainable urban development. This paper presents the major elements of the debate from a European perspective and it sketches out the choices available to decision-makers, together with the very considerable barriers to implementation. The major issues to be addressed, if transport is to conform to the principles of sustainable urban development, are outlined from an international perspective. The actions available are grouped under the three headings of technology, economic and financial, and regulation and planning. The particular problems in Europe relate to the shortage of space, higher densities and the protection of open space. It is argued that high-quality liveable cities must be the basis for sustainable urban development and policies should be implemented to achieve that objective, so the outward migration of residents is reversed. Sustainable living requires people to want to live in close proximity in an attractive, affordable urban environment. Recent research in Europe on the options available at the strategic and the city level will be cited to illustrate the actions that are now being considered to achieve sustainable transport in 2020. To achieve this objective, action is required on both the technology of transport and decoupling of transport from economic growth. In addition, the commitment and involvement of all affected parties is essential, so that imaginative and effective measures can be implemented.
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