WAR on the car hots up again today as higher petrol prices and differential road tax to crack down on owners of less fuel-efficient vehicles are urged by a Royal Commission on environmental pollution.

And since a survey report today indicates that traffic pollution tops the list of public concerns - even more than drugs or violent crime - these proposals may have a strong chance of getting on to the government's agenda.

The charge today, however, coming three years after the Commission last reported, is that such calls tend to be treated more with friendly rhetoric than action.

Yet, surely, more is required than single measures.

The problem of traffic congestion and pollution requires a multi-faceted response that combines carrot and stick measures to reduce car use. Steps such as road pricing, dearer fuel, increased road taxes and parking restrictions need to be employed alongside moves to make vehicles cleaner and more fuel efficient.

There also needs to be stricter enforcement of the laws on exhaust emissions.

But these need to part of the integrated transport system that the this government is now aiming for with more trains and buses to take people to work.

It may be that regulation will be required to enforce higher standards - as privatisation of both buses and trains has often displayed lapses in quality and sometimes safety - for people will resist giving up their cars, even though they may be increasingly taxed, as long as the public transport alternatives remain less attractive.

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