ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an impression of the impact of the transport sector on the environment, and makes clear why transport is often seen as the sector which has the greatest adverse effect on the environment. Over the past four decades, the issue of environmental impact in general and the environmental impact of transport in particular has become increasingly important in policy-making and research. Pricing policies can also have a range of impacts. For example, increasing levies on fuel may reduce overall transport volume, and lead to a shift to other modes. Land-use planning is particularly important at the local and regional levels. More compact land use and mixed land use may reduce the overall volume of traffic, and increase the share of slower modes of transport. Another reason for current policies is to reduce the localized negative effects of car use, such as air pollution, noise, parking pressure, safety and reduced liveability due to heavily congested streets.
