Government Spending on Roads vs Public Transport — Band 7 Model Answer

The allocation of transport infrastructure budgets between roads and public transitExaminer notePrecise nominal phrase — more formal than "spending on roads or buses". Band 7 LR. has major implications for urban sustainability, social equity and carbon emissions. I consider prioritising roads over public transport to be a largely negative development.

Supporters of road investment argue that private car use is the preference of the majority in many societies, and that efficient road networks facilitate the movement of freight and support economic growthExaminer noteTwo-verb structure with precise objects — Band 7 LR. . In sparsely populated rural areasExaminer notePrecise adjectival phrase. , roads may genuinely be the most viable transport solution where public transit would be prohibitively expensive to operateExaminer noteAdverb "prohibitively" intensifies the evaluation accurately — Band 7 LR. .

However, prioritising roads in urban contexts entrenches car dependency and the associated problemsExaminer notePrecise verb "entrenches" — stronger and more specific than "causes". Band 7 LR. of congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. It also disadvantages those who cannot drive — the elderly, low-income households and the young — who depend on public transport for mobility. Every new motorway lane added within a city is likely to induce additional traffic demandExaminer noteReference to the concept of induced demand — shows awareness of transport economics. , perpetuating the cycle of congestion it was meant to solve.

In conclusion, beyond rural contexts where roads are genuinely necessary, prioritising road investment over public transport is a short-sighted policy that deepens environmental damage and social inequality. Public transit investment produces more equitable and sustainableExaminer notePaired adjectives — natural and appropriate. transport outcomes.