ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the adverse impacts of present motorized transport. These are mostly but by no means entirely the result of the use of internal combustion engines (ICEs) to propel today's vehicles. We could have included a chapter on transport's benefits, but they hardly need stating. We noted in Chapter 2 how effective transport gave advantage to particular peoples in history, and how motorized transport has facilitated and even stimulated just about everything now regarded as progress. What should be added is the suggestion that beyond a certain point the costs of increased mobility may outweigh the benefits:
Near the end of the 20th century, the belief in the desirability of perpetual growth in mobility and transport has started to fade. In many countries, highway accessibility is so ubiquitous that transport cost has almost disappeared as a location factor for industry. In metropolitan areas, the myth that rising travel demand will ever be satisfied by more motorways has been shattered by reappearing congestion. People have realised that the car has not only brought freedom of movement but also air pollution, traffic noise and accidents. It has become obvious that in the face of finite fossil fuel resources and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions the use of petroleum cannot grow forever. There is now broad agreement that present trends in transport are not sustainable, and many conclude that fundamental changes in the technology, design, operation, and financing of transport systems are needed. 1
