John Adams is Professor Emeritus of Geography at University College, London.

Part 1: Problems - A Global Perspective 1. The Ladder of Progress 2. Theories of Transition 3. Cities I: Transport and the Urban Transition 4. Cities II: Transport in London 5. Energy 6. Equity 7. Death Part 2: Practice - The British Way 8. The Policy Environment 9. Forecasting I: Prophecy 10. Forecasting II: Policy 11. Assessing 12. Inquiry Part 3: The Vision 13. Taking the Waiting out of Wanting 14. The National Health 15. Homunculus Economicus 16. Transportation for the Luddites Appendices: I... And How Much For Your Grandmother? II: What Noise Annoys? III: Seat Belts.

Originally published in 1981, this volume provides a systematic and detailed critique of the practice of transport planning. It shows how past transport policies blighted cities, suburbs and countryside alike, led to increased death and injury on the roads and offered the whole of the motorized world as a hostage to the oil-producing countries. The book urges us all to consider whether increase mobility is really synonymous with progress and to take a more active part in planning decisions that may adversely affect our futures. The book will be of interest to those concerned with environmental issues & transport planning.