Fewer cars, healthier cities

Globally, substantial change in population demographics is afoot with 65% of the world’s population estimated to live in cities by 2050.1 This unprecedented urbanisation will place considerable strain on city infrastructure including water and energy utilities, schools, hospitals, and transport systems, thereby reducing economic productivity.2 The exponential growth of our cities—referred to as the “urban age,”3 could reduce a city’s resilience, jeopardise future levels of population health,4 and compromise residents’ quality of life.5

The urban age brings a level of uncertainty surrounding the structure and design of future transport systems. It also raises uncertainty about the health implications of new, automated or hybrid systems, and how best to operate these systems safely. What we do know is that private use of motor vehicles is unlikely to remain the predominant feature of road transport.

The health …