Task 2 model answer 8: Traffic congestion and new roads

It is a well-known fact that of all the animal species on earth, humans are the most inconsiderate. Traffic pollution is getting worse, yet simply creating more roads, while being technically possible, has even more of a negative effect on the land, therefore other possibilities need to be considered.

One of the more obvious solutions to the problem would be to improve public transport and raise the expense of driving our own cars. Either by control or by funding, local governments could ensure that public transport becomes the most economical method of commuting to work. In one European country, local governments have pursued this scheme and the results have been so successful that they have actually reduced the number of roads into the city.

Another potential solution is to encourage working from home. The technology is readily available for most of us to do so, and is likely to be popular with a high percentage of employees. The introduction of more flexible working hours is also a possibility that, although not actually leading to fewer cars on the road, would help congestion problems.

In many countries, local transport authorities have erected signs that provide information about road conditions, giving drivers the opportunity to find less congested routes to their destination. This system could be improved by more advanced technology in cars themselves.

Regardless of the final solution, it is becoming increasingly clear that traffic pollution is not simply a local issue but a global one, and unless alternative strategies are put into effect soon the damage may be irreversible.