This paper discusses the environmental problems connected with the use of private cars in the Netherlands and the policy of the Dutch local and central authorities to deal with these problems. The following aspects are discussed: (1) primary and secondary air pollution due to use of cars; (2) environmental noise; (3) use of natural and city space for parking and driving cars; (4) life cycle of automobiles and the embodied materials from construction to demolition. Some conflicting scenarios concerning long term development of transportation systems are also discussed. Finally this paper deals with some aspects of the choosing behaviour of people when selecting use of public or private transport systems. It will be argued that measures based on changing relative costs of using both systems.
Samenvatting