ABSTRACT
Mobility is one of the essential values of modern urban civilization, but the transport needs of individuals are no longer met under acceptable conditions. The constant growth in motor-vehicle traffi c causes all sorts of nuisances – air pollution, noise, accidents, and congestion – which are worsening and which people are fi nding increasingly diffi cult to bear. These negative environmental effects are not limited to major cities and big conurbations, and the contribution of transport to the emission of greenhouse gases, due mainly to exhaust fumes from motorcars, is rapidly increasing worldwide. The growth in car use and the increasing distances travelled leads to environmental deterioration, despite a constant improvement in the fuel consumption and ecological performance of cars. The dependence on the car is becoming widespread, the average distance covered is increasing, and in many areas walking, cycling and public transport are used less and less as a consequence.
