There is a tendency to define 'sustainable urban development' in terms of the transport system, and 'sustainable transport' in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. One weakness in much policy directed at increased sustainability is that 'sustainable transport' comes to be seen as a series of problems that can be fixed, rather than in strategic terms directed at a desired future vision of society and the world. Giving transport a dominant role in defining sustainability means giving it such an influence that we end up manipulating elements in the urban context in order to further a transportation end. This is arguably a simplistic way to perceive transport's role in sustainability. A better way would be to work from principles and purpose, and to think beyond transport. A brief look at three of the most common elements of a sustainable transport program (pricing, re-shaping the city, and technology) indicates that each has its potential weaknesses. A combination of approaches is clearly needed, but that alone may not be enough. Inducing and manipulating individual and social change is identified as a necessary process if the policies being promoted are to have a substantial effect. Simply shifting our present patterns of exchange and interaction onto supposedly more friendly modes will not bring about the result we need, nor will it be possible to maintain our present system of production and consumption if we restrain transport and mobility enough to make a real difference. Some suggested guidelines for policy are offered, based on the conclusion that 'sustainable transport' will be a consequence rather than a cause of a shift to a sustainable future. (a).
Samenvatting