Dutch environment and traffic policy is geared towards far reaching reductions of emissions and fuel consumption of road traffic in the near future. A three-track approach needs to be followed: not only technical measures "at-source" but also reduction of total vehicle mileage and improvement of driving behaviour and reduction of vehicle speeds. As to road safety policy ambitious goals have been set: reduction of total fatalities by 50 per cent by the year 2010. Current policy measures are expected to fall short of fulfilling the goals as set. One single measure has been overlooked both in research and in policymaking: decreasing the power, engine size and performance of all categories of vehicles. This approach requires no hightech tour de force, and so it is up to the EC/ECE to proceed as soon as possible in this way.
Abstract