More asphalt? Fewer cars!

"It is expected that the importance of the car will increase." It is stated in a note from the ANWB. It is the opposite of what we should want, says our program manager Iwan Arts. Read his response to the publication here the ANWB.

'The ANWB is of course mostly about cars. It is therefore logical that the association believes that large infrastructure projects should continue. We at Brainport Bereikbaar are certainly not against that. We are not an anti-car club. And so we also try to find car-related solutions for traffic jams. For example, by talking to all kinds of organizations about different opening and working hours for better distribution. At the same time, we believe that we should have fewer cars. So we want the importance of the car to decrease.'

Second car out, shared transport in

'Our program is working on this in all kinds of ways. For example, by encouraging the use of means of transport such as bicycle and public transport. But also by focusing on the second car in households. How great would it be if we could replace that with shared mobility? We often also share a high-pressure washer or drill, so why not a car? This may not directly make a difference in traffic jams, but it does make a difference in the use of our social capital and the burden on our environment. We really need to work on making car sharing easy for people. For example, by placing hubs with shared transport in neighborhoods.'

Fewer cars, better quality of life

'That certainly requires getting used to and behavioral change. But it is possible and you will immediately see the benefits: fewer cars in the neighborhood gives many more opportunities to increase the attractiveness and quality of life in your area. And once you experience that, you may no longer want cars in your neighborhood at all. Many city centers are now car-free or restricted, and we have become accustomed to that. So together we must choose to invest in that long-term vision. And the government must take the lead in this and initially facilitate shared mobility. If it works, private investments will come naturally. And we can look forward to a more sustainable, flexible and livable future.'