The development of a more energy-efficient and less environmentally damaging road transport system is an ur gent policy goal for the UK Government, if standards of living are to be maintained. With the growing concern because of the increasing pollution and fossil-fuel reserves dwindling, unit fuel prices will rise. A significant change in the Government’s transport policy is needed (e.g. with a shift of emphasis from road to rail transport). Society’s needs should be re-appraised and investments increasingly channelled into developing fossil-fuel alternatives. Car ownership should be perceived as a luxury, which imposes a growing burden on the ambient environment.