Car dependence - an interesting concept but not one that seems capable of building into practical transport policy-making

Catering for car use has been a key element of transport behaviour and therefore policy-making for the past 70 years or more. Recognised as a concern for its implications beyond just mobility, transport thinkers have sought to identify the driving forces and how they may be addressed. But David Metz believes that the concept of car dependence is not really helpful. Here he argues that understanding the role of the car is a much more complex and wide-ranging challenge.