The issues raised in planning for choice and mobility amongst older persons can be seen as a more extreme version of those confronting society at large. An increasing proportion of old people have both the wish and the capability to exploit the freedoms obtainable from personal use of a car. However, not only is it not practicable to provide fully for this wish but the consequences would be particularly damaging to old people themselves (because of the hazards of a car-dominated environment and the deteriorating accessibility which is created for those who do not have the use of a car). The prospective adverse consequences are of a scale which cannot be mitigated by simply tweaking established practices - for example, through improved design or special development or transport initiatives - important though these may be as short-term palliatives. To ensure independence and mobility for all it is necessary to adopt an over-arching planning strategy which makes it practicable to travel freely without resort to car use. Furthermore it is necessary for non-car travel to become more commonplace amongst those who do own a car - of all ages - in order to create the social environment in which choice and mobility for old people can become a practical reality. The paper builds on recent Government Planning Guidance to identify the components of such a strategy. (A)
Samenvatting