The impact of “car culture” on our urban landscape: how shoppers have literally been driven off the British high street

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the impact of the arrival of the motor car on streets, communities, life styles and health. It documents the environmental, economic and social sacrifices that societies have made, in order to accommodate car traffic; and suggests some of the early signs of the dynamics of resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

In style this is an opinion piece, although based upon and backed by extensive research, some of it cited here. Historical and cultural changes are mapped out with ironic references also to architectural fashions, and contemporary film culture in the sub-headings.

Findings

Prioritising pedestrians in urban areas and encouraging walking would have beneficial impacts in terms of public health and environmental quality and deliver economic savings.

Originality/value

With increasing focus on public and preventive health, and concerns to develop, for example, more age- and/or “dementia-friendly” environments, the paper suggests that new-build housing, in-fill and redevelopment will need to consider the streets between our homes as a key aspect of neighbourhoods and housing policy.

Citation

Phenton, J. (2013), "The impact of “car culture” on our urban landscape: how shoppers have literally been driven off the British high street", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 16 No. 3/4, pp. 161-166. https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-08-2013-0014