U+-+MEDC+urban+2

As we demand greater mobility and accessibilty with flexibility, the number of cars has increased, as has the problem of traffic congestion. More people have more money and welcome the door-to-door service that comes with having a car. Man households (27% in 2002) have more than one car, while 45% have one car. Some of the environmental problems are: Strategies designed to reduce the use of cars in cities: __**Multicultural mix**__
 * __Traffic__**
 * standing traffic and congestion
 * air and noise pollution
 * an adverse impact on buildings and environmental quality generally
 * encouraging cycling
 * making public transport more attractive
 * introducing park-and-ride schemes (York)
 * congestion charging (London)

Despite the apparent racial mix in many cities, a significant number of immigrants choose to live with people from similar areas and away from others with different ethnicity and culture. This represents segregation. Why do people chose to cluster in the same area as their fellow immigrants: The attempts made to integrate different ethnic groups and reduce segregation:
 * support from others - people feel safe and secure when they can associate with other people from the same background. There is a sense of belonging and protection from racial abuse
 * a familiar culture - in a strange country, there is comfort from being with people who have similar ideas and beliefs and speak the same language
 * specialist facilities - in many areas these are provided so that, for example, Sikhs can worship in a gurdwara and Moslems in a mosque. Familiar foodstuffs will be available in shops
 * safety in number - people have a stronger voice if they are heard as a groups, rather than individually
 * employment factors - immigrant groups tend to do low-paid jobs or have a high rate of unemployment. They have limited money and so can only afford cheaper housing in certain parts of the city, usually inner city areas
 * increasing children's achievement by improving educational provision and opportunities in deprived areas; and seeking to improve literacy in areas where English can be a second language
 * increasing employment through intiatives to ensure basic skills and access to information and training
 * increasing community involvement by ensuring that the needs of minority groups are understood and met
 * providing facilities that encourage meetings of all sections of a community rather than separate ethnic groups

__**The Central Business District (CBD)**__

During the 1960s to the early 1980s, the CBD struggled to attract businesses. Out-of-town shopping areas and regional shopping centres became more favourable destinations as they offered pleasant shopping opportunities with ample parking. In contrast, city centres appeared busy and crowded. The air quality was poor, with the smell of diesel and lead concentations in certain areas a cause for concern.

However, there have been significant changes in CBDs and their image is now once more, a positive one. They have become vibrant and pleasant places as a result of a number of initatives. See the link below to look at the how CBDs have been redeveloped

Newcastle case study