(19 Aug 2021, 2:33 pm)MurdnunoC wrote But herein lies a major issue which is never really fully addressed. What are we opposing? Pollution? Congestion? Single-occupancy car-use? Everything gets rolled into one argument when, to me at least, it is not that simplistic. For example, reducing or eliminating pollution is an absolute must and, hopefully, new and emerging vehicle types will do this. But once you do that, one of the main drivers for reducing congestion - the environmental impact - is also reduced.
Congestion, in my mind. Then everything else will follow. Though I agree, it is a bit simplistic.
Unfettered use of single occupancy cars isn't an efficient use of road space. An electric car still contributes to that congestion. Congestion creates pollution. Charging people a premium to use the busiest roads at the busiest times of day doesn't seem too barmy to me, and I say that as a car user. 90% of the time a single occupancy car user as well.
If not road pricing, then something else. Peoples habits, mine included, need to change.
There's no magic bullet, no clear answer at the minute though.
Elsewhere, Wales have committed to no more new road building (I think). Scotland have extended free travel up 22 year olds. Both good starting points.