Geography For Schools

An effective transport system is vital for economic well-being competitiveness and good perceived quality of life.

There is widespread concern that the continuing growth of transport, particularly road and air transport is damaging to the environment and human health, both of which are having an effect on the economy. The question of what represents a sustainable transport system is a difficult one, as systems employing the use of fossil fuels are clearly not sustainable in the longer term. Any changes reducing personal mobility and restricting the movement of trade goods are hard to impose and will require changes in social structure as well as transport infrastructure. Imposing financial and planning instruments to encourage socially responsible use of transport as well as social learning programmes to enable change and make people aware of the need for change will be important factors in the coming decades.