ABSTRACT
Driving on major European motorways or breathing the urban air of a European metropolis affects most humans, whether transport users or local citizens. In many respects, the European transport space appears overcrowded. The environmental hazards of an automobilized Europe are becoming visible, affecting both human health and nature. However, the possibility of moving around adds a sense of freedom to the individual, and is articulated as ‘the lifeblood’ of the European Communities (CEC, 1993 sec. 3.1). Efficient transport systems are stressed as sustaining modern societies. The quality of life is thus affected in ambiguous ways by increased amounts of transport. At the same time, a European polity is taking form, accelerating the innovation of governance and changing the political landscape of Europe. Also within the transport area, the role of EU legislation and regulation is increasing.
