BAND 7+ // AUTO BAN

Many think that private vehicles, mainly cars, should be banned in city centres in order to alleviate traffic congestion. Others Think this solution is unrealistic.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion

A heated discussion today relates to whether private vehicles, mostly cars, should be banned or reduced in order to improve traffic problems in the cities. This essay will examine this question from both of these perspectives and then provide my own viewpoint on the matter.

On the one hand, advocates of automobile banning often argue that their substantial number is the root cause of traffic congestion. This is largely self-evident, as when there is a considerable distribution of cars on a highway, traffic waves regularly occur as drivers slow down or completely stop as a result of a series of disturbances, such as changing lanes or slowing down at curves, clogging roadways for miles in most circumstances. In contrast,  if there were not an excessively high density of cars on the road to begin with, drivers can maintain their speed and spacing more consistently and effectively. As a result, prevent the forming of alleviated phantom traffic jams or loops of stop-and-go waves.

On the other hand, opponents of this scheme usually emphasize its impracticality by pointing out the myriad advantages of possessing a car. Firstly, one great thing about owning a car is that it significantly eases people's daily tasks and social situations, such as commuting to work, picking up their children, carrying groceries, or hanging out with friends. Individuals can not only save themselves considerable time but also no longer have to worry about the inconvenient and risky nature of ride-sharing services. Another spiritual benefit of private vehicles is that they provide their owners with total freedom. People can freely choose to explore an area they like or simply just wander around the city for enjoyment without being dependent on  anybody. Furthermore, driving a car is substantially safer than riding a motorcycle or bike. Indeed, safety is one of the drivers' most important concerns, especially those with families.

In conclusion, both arguments have validity. However, I believe that prohibiting private vehicles is unjustifiable given their overall superior benefits in terms of convenience and absolute independence. Given this, the government should propose more sensible measures to effectively mitigate the impact of traffic jams rather than restrict car use. (359 words)

IELTS Khang Tran.