This paper deals with the spatial consequences of the use of low speed transport systems. Until now, each new transport system which is faster than those which already existed, caused an increase in energy consumption, space use, and environmental pollution by the car system in particular. Despite the fact that technological developments may be able to create energy efficient and zero emission vehicles, the space use in the Netherlands by 6 million ecological cars will remain enormous, it could even increase. Improvements in the motorway network increase car speeds, and any such speeding up causes increasing travel distances according to the BREVER law. Increasing distances stimulate the spreading of activities. However, a `sustainable' spatial development demands a high density of activities. Low speed transport systems can contribute to a `sustainable' spatial development. Less speeding up causes namely a limited increase in travel distances, according to the BREVER law. The reversion of this law implies that deceleration causes shorter travel distances. Many experts on transport and spatial development acknowledge the BREVER law, but doubt the reversion of it. The societal context of mobility appears to be aimed at speed and increasing travel distances. A radical choice for low speed transport systems therefore demands significant efforts from the government sector. The authors of the paper claim that improving the accessibility of places by speeding up the car system will never cause `sustainability'.
Samenvatting