Online reflection 1
Can a city really ban cars from its streets
I am not convinced that a city within two decades will be able to be “car-free”, maybe free from cars that use petrol or diesel as fuel. To ban all the cars will lower the living standard. I do not think it is possible to ban cars when people know how convenient the car is. People are not ready for changes that will make a negative impact on their lifestyle. I think a better solution is to promote the electric car and increase the standards on the public transportation. People will always choose the way of transport that is more convenient and cost efficient for them. The point is to find answers that will be more effective for people and a solution that is more sustainable for the environment.
I think Hamburg
is a city with good ambitions. I will say it is always good to have a goal to
aim for even though it is not very likely it will reach it all the way very
soon. All steps away from daily use of the car are good steps. I think a good
start is to improve the public transportation during peak hours, that will
decrease the emissions by reduce the numbers of starts and stops. Long lines in
the traffic is a great issue when it comes to reducing emissions, at the same
time it is time consuming for the people on the road, as well as it is a
traffic situation that often leads to traffic accidents.
To ban
people from using their cars will lead to different effects on different people
according to what situation they are in life. For some people the ban of cars
might be critical to if their children will be able to continue with their
sports activities for example.
I think it
will be possible in the future to ban the normal car of today but another
solution for the transportation must be found before people will accept the
change.
Hi Therese!
SvaraRaderaI am as you, not convinced that 20 years is enough to make a city free from cars. However I do not think banning cars from the city will lower the living standard. I belive if we manage to change our travel habits, we will not be negatively affeected of this change. But as you mention, the public transport is a really important key to make "it" work without cars.
It is interesting that you talk about how people can be affected different of this idea. I agree with you that it will make it harder for some people, most families with young children. But I think we use the car to much as it is today. For example when each parents driving their children to activities, instead of arrange carpooling.
Thank you for your interesting reflections and as you say; "it is always good to have goals". Let aim for goals that improve the environment!
// Amanda
I think you made a valid point when it comes to the time period given.
SvaraRaderaI also agree with your view when it comes to lowering the living standard.
I think convenience and cost effect does play a major role. However once proper infrastructure is made available and an efficient public transportation system is provided, maybe Hamburg can lead the way.
Hopefully this green network has numerous good alternatives.
Hi, Therese!
SvaraRaderaA banishment might be, as you say, too rough and people are not ready for that kind of change yet. But certain restrictions might be in place, such as congestion charges or limiting diesel and petrol cars. And of course promoting the electric car! (hopefully the electricity won't come from coal power plants, then it's just as bad as other cars)
This goal is to strive for but as you say also very hard to achieve. At least Hamburg and many other cities can become a little greener whilst striving toward this goal.
Hi!
SvaraRaderaI agree that public transports are one solution to decrease pollution. However goods must be delivered back and forth between producers and consumers. I agree with Cecilia regarding the elctrical powered vehicles to be the solution of the future.
Regards, Stefan