CAN WE OVERCOME AUTOMOBILE DEPENDENCE - PHYSICAL PLANNING IN AN AGE OF URBAN CYNICISM

Cities around the world are struggling to reduce their automobile dependence and its impacts. One of the most significant tools in this struggle is physical planning, but at a time when it is most needed there are many commentators who have lost all confidence in planning. Such cynicism is analysed in terms of three approaches summarized as: 'People always buy more space and more mobility', 'Just get the price right' and 'It'll be OK anyway'. The underlying issues are discussed based on the politics of planning, the politics of pricing, the moral dimension and hope for the common good in cities. Together they suggest that there is a very important role for physical planning in our cities.