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.

    Graphical Abstract Research Highlights ►Urban intensification tends to reduce overall car use. ►The relationship is inelastic, particularly at the level of the individual development. ►This means urban intensification worsens local concentrations of traffic. ►Unless it is accompanied by more radical traffic restraint measures.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    The paradox of intensification


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Transport Policy ; 18 , 1 ; 46-52


    Publication date :

    2010-01-01


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    The paradox of intensification

    Melia, Steve | Online Contents | 2011


    Dwelling Type Matters: Untangling the Paradox of Intensification and Bicycle Mode Choice

    Ledsham, Trudy / Farber, Steven / Wessel, Nate | Transportation Research Record | 2017


    Electronic imaging and intensification

    Lempert, J. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1958


    Simpson's paradox

    Smith, Keith / O'Day, James | Elsevier | 1980