A UK Government advisor warned that double garages for more cars is outdated and could harm the environment.
Stefanie OGorman a sustainability expert said that two-car homes are not the best way to build cities of tomorrow. She claimed that double garage construction drives her insane.
She suggested that in order to ensure that families don’t need more than one car per family, it is important to plan neighbourhoods to offer amenities such as shops and schools nearby so that they don’t need to travel too far. People can walk or cycle to get there easily.
Miss OGorman, director for sustainable economics at Ramboll, spoke at the Edinburgh Science Festival. She has advised the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding green spaces.
She said that after the meeting, she had added: Having double garages in new homes doesn’t take into account the social and cultural changes occurring as we adapt our lives for more sustainable living… it is impossible to afford two cars for everyone.
Luke Bosdet from the AAs responded to her comments. He said that many families need two cars and that double garages help avoid paving over grass and prevent cars from parked on streets.
He stated that it is difficult to find affordable housing. People must live farther away… and then they need to drive to their daily destinations.
The UK has 11 million garages. However, a RAC study last spring found that more than half of these garages do not have cars and that two thirds use them for storage.
Miss OGorman also advises Scotland’s government on climate change. She further called for communities that allow people to stay their entire lives.
The talk also discussed the possibility of renting colour televisions again and the sharing power of tools.
