Passenger transport

Demographic changes and increased incomes have led to higher rates of car ownership, as well as increased holiday and leisure time for travel. The annual rate of increase in car ownership in Central and Eastern Europe is greater than in Western Europe.

Passenger transport by air is growing rapidly in Europe. Flying is particularly popular with tourists and intensifies in the summer months. However, the number of aircraft journeys has not increased as rapidly as the number of passengers, due to increases in aircraft size.

At the local level, the functional segregation of land use for work, leisure and shopping has increased the need for commuting and travel in daily life. Many services are obtainable only by travelling long distances. Out-of-town shopping centres have become commonplace.