The key answer of exercise 10
The key to exercise solutions in chapter 3 - Speaking for the textbook Performer B2 - Student's Book with authors Marina Spiazzi, Marina Tavella, Margaret Layton from Zanichelli
Question
Read the motion and work in groups of three to analyse the stakeholders and the impact implied in the motion. Carry out some research if necessary.
Answer
"This house believes that cars should be totally banned from city centers."
Stakeholders
- Residents: The ban directly affects residents who live in city centers. They would experience changes in transportation options, access to amenities, and overall lifestyle adjustments.
- Business Owners: Businesses operating in city centers rely on customers who may arrive by car. The ban could impact foot traffic and revenue, necessitating adjustments to business strategies.
- Commuters: Individuals commuting to city centers for work or other purposes would need to find alternative modes of transportation, potentially altering daily routines and increasing travel costs.
- Transportation Authorities: Local transportation authorities bear responsibility for implementing and managing alternative transportation options, such as public transit, biking infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly initiatives.
- Environmental Groups: Advocates for sustainability and environmental conservation may support the ban, foreseeing benefits like reduced air and noise pollution, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions in city centers.
- Automobile Industry: The ban could negatively affect the automobile industry by reducing demand for personal vehicles, prompting shifts in urban transportation trends and consumption patterns.
Potential Impacts
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: A ban could alleviate traffic congestion in city centers, facilitating smoother movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit vehicles.
- Improved Air Quality: Eliminating cars may lead to decreased air pollution, fostering better air quality and enhancing public health outcomes.
- Promotion of Active Transportation: The ban might encourage greater adoption of walking, biking, or public transit use, promoting physical activity and decreasing reliance on cars.
- Economic Effects: Businesses relying on car traffic may face a decline in customers and revenue, while those catering to pedestrians and cyclists may experience increased demand and profitability.
- Equity Considerations: The ban's impact may vary among residents, potentially affecting marginalized communities or individuals with limited mobility differently, necessitating equitable policy considerations.
- Infrastructure Changes: Implementing the ban would require investment in alternative transportation infrastructure, including bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and enhanced public transit services, to accommodate increased demand and ensure a smooth transition.
In conclusion, while a ban on cars in city centers offers potential benefits like reduced congestion and improved environmental quality, it necessitates careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure investment to address diverse interests and ensure equitable outcomes.