Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

The paradox of intensification

Melia, Steve; Parkhurst, Graham; Barton, Hugh

The paradox of intensification Thumbnail


Authors

Steven Melia Steve.Melia@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Transport Planning

Hugh Barton



Abstract

Urban intensification as part of a smart growth strategy can facilitate low-energy transport modes and reduce overall car use, with benefits to the global environment, but evidence suggests the effect will be less than proportional. Hence, in locations where intensification occurs, greater concentrations of traffic tend to occur, and this worsens local environmental conditions. This phenomenon is defined below as the 'paradox of intensification'. The consequent challenges for planners and policymakers, which arise, are considered. The analysis suggests that a compromise involving limited intensification would merely redistribute the balance between the two sets of problems: global and local. It is concluded that urban intensification should be accompanied by more radical measures to constrain traffic generation within intensified areas. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Citation

Melia, S., Parkhurst, G., & Barton, H. (2011). The paradox of intensification. Transport Policy, 18(1), 46-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2010.05.007

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2011
Deposit Date Aug 27, 2010
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Transport Policy
Print ISSN 0967-070X
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 18
Issue 1
Pages 46-52
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2010.05.007
Keywords urban intensification, density, car use, parking standards, environmental quality
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/966337
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2010.05.007

Files

melia-barton-parkhurst_The_Paradox_of_Intensification.docx (183 Kb)
Document






You might also like



Downloadable Citations