Reduction of the environmental impacts caused by transportation has become a leading item in national and international transport policies. In practice, it is seen that implementing effective environmental sound policies is difficult. This paper indicates that the present trend towards decentralisation and subsidiarity is a big threat for the implementation of technologies which could contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts. The paper identifies three clusters of complexities. Firstly, an analysis of the meaning of sustainability in policy documents is made. Secondly, the meaning of technological developments is studied. In this context a plea is made for the implementation of so-called source related technologies. Thirdly, the paper identifies what is the appropriate level for implementation of the identified technologies in the transport system.
Samenvatting