Adelaide’s central business district should be made a petrol-free zone by 2012 to prepare for the end of affordable oil, the Australian Democrats say.

South Australian Democrat MP Sandra Kanck said the initiative would slash pollution and congestion and turn Adelaide into a clean walking and cycling city.

She said it would involve an increase in public transport, the provision of showers and other facilities for cyclists and incentives for people to buy alternative-fuel vehicles.

Over time, city car parks should be replaced by apartments.

“If we start preparing now for the end of cheap oil we will be able to cope. If we don’t, it will be a disaster,” Ms Kanck said.

“We are eventually going to be forced to make the CBD a petrol-free zone, but with a bit of imagination and planning we can turn this adversity into an opportunity for urban renewal.”

AAP

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