ABSTRACT
In addressing the question of sustainable development, many governments around the world have identified planning systems as an appropriate device to deliver at least some of the objectives of environmental protection and enhancement. In turn, the link between land use and transport is seen as a crucial issue because of the particular concern with fuel consumption and emissions. Thus, much of the debate-both academic and political-about sustainable development has focused on the question of the degree to which land use planning can help to reduce reliance on the private car and promote greater use of other modes. A consensus view seems to have emerged which argues that policies to achieve greater urban compaction are more likely to reduce car use, and hence reduce pollution. Although this remains controversial, it is a policy stance that has been adopted in many countries.
