2000
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to consider the effectiveness of land use policy as an
instrument for reducing environmental and other external costs associated with ownership and
use of the private automobile. Emphasis is placed on the long run, since land use change is a slow
process, and consequently can potentially have significant effects only in the long run. I will argue
that land use change is driven by factors over which we have little policy control, and that current
trends of decentralization will continue in the future. Although the link between urban form and
travel behavior may be significant, it is highly unlikely that policy actions could shift urban form to
patterns associated with less private vehicle travel. The paper begins by presenting some
information on international trends in travel and land use patterns. Then I discuss explanatory
factors associated with these trends. The final part of the paper addresses the future, and
considers the potential of land use policies in the context of long run trends.
