The author describes current policy developments in the Netherlands for the reduction of pollution due to motorised traffic. The problems caused by pollution in the Netherlands are outlined. On 25 May 1989 the Lubbers government issued its National Environmental Policy Plan (NMP) 1990-94 which is a first step towards the implementation of 'sustainable development' between now and 2010 and the strategy for a new environmental policy for the 1990s. Strict emission reduction targets are laid down, carcinogenic substances must be reduced and the percentage of reusable materials raised to 85%. Pollution from traffic is seen to be a three step process; (1) the vehicle emissions factor, (2) the automobility volume factor and (3) the traffic/driving factor and the NMP tackles each factor in turn. Details are given of how the Dutch will go about making vehicles cleaner, alter choice of transport mode to favour public transport and bicycles and for freight, the use of rail or water transport instead of road and how they will reduce the need to travel by more rational location of facilities. Drawbacks to this automobility reduction approach are foreseen including lack of political will to raise the cost of car use and reduce automobility, avoidance of a dictatorial attitude and the effect on the Dutch position in international freight transport.
Abstract