Let’s see use of cars as a sign of failure

IT was refreshing recently to hear Environment Minister John Gormley say that spending on public transport must take priority over spending on roads, but this policy will fail unless people adopt it.

As long as the cost of motoring remains too low, traffic will continue to grow, congestion will worsen and the buses will be empty.

There is a clear need to pass on more of the direct and indirect costs to road users in the interests of fairness and to restrict traffic growth. There is also a need for parking restrictions and pedestrianisation in cities, towns and villages to enhance the environment for walking, cafes, markets, etc, and to relieve gridlock.