Abstract
Since the end of the eighties sustainable development is the leading principal for the Dutch environmental policy. Sectoral emission targets are based on the principle that all sectors have to contribute more or less to the same extend to emission reductions. However, political choices about emission goals per country and within countries per sector as well as measures should be based on a trade off between environmental and societal goals (for example economic goals). At present, this is only partly done. There fore, it is not possible to say whether or not a traffic and transport system for a country is 'sustainable', or better: a equitable choice between environment and economy.