"The Golden Age of Motoring is Over"

According to this article in The Guardian U.K., fewer and fewer young adults age 17-20 are seeking a driver's license and car ownership, signalling "peak car".

1 minute read

September 26, 2011, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Only 35% of British youth age 17-20 have a driver's license, down 13% from the previous year. Road traffic figures for cars and taxis has fallen continuously since 2007.

One theory for this is that a generation raised with cloud computing and disposable cell phones have less of their status wrapped up in their car. Car sharing programs make sense to these "digital natives":

"They don't care about owning things. Possession is a burden, and a car is a big investment for most people – not just the vehicle, but the permits, the parking space," says Stefan Liske, a German entrepreneur (as interviewed by Alex Rayner).

Sunday, September 25, 2011 in The Guardian U.K.

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

CLose-up on black and white 25 mph speed limit sign.

Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits

Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.

December 4 - Streetsblog California

Adult man talking to young woman across wooden garden fence with young girl standing next to him.

For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits

Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.

December 4 - NPR

View down San Francisco street with colorful residential buildings and high-rise downtown buildings in distance.

New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place

The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.

December 4 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.