In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other.
Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
Some cities opt for zoning policies and allocate specific areas for commercial, educational, office and residential facilities. While this brings some clear benefits, I feel that its net impact is negative.
Admittedly, such an approach to city planning is not without its merits. By separating various buildings in distant locations, city authorities can ensure a quiet environment for people in the community. Without the constant roar of traffic and noise from business activities, people can relax and even sleep better at night. Another point to consider is increased competition among shops, schools and offices. Their proximity means that customers, students and workers will have more choices, which could lead to improved service and lower prices for customers and students, while companies will strive to retain their talents with better pay and generous benefits.
Nevertheless, all these potential advantages come at a significant cost. One clear disadvantage is longer travel times for residents. With various facilities clustered together and separated from each other, people will experience longer journeys for their daily needs. This, in turn, will add to traffic issues, which will be particularly problematic during peak hours. When most people travel to or from their homes simultaneously, it is highly likely to result in massive traffic jams and gridlocks across the city, contributing to increased commute times. In areas with poor public transport provision, this could even lower social mobility. The disadvantaged groups might struggle to pay fares, which further limits their opportunity to improve their lives and move up the social ladder.
In conclusion, the practice of dividing cities into zones with various purposes might seem appealing thanks to lower noise levels in residential areas as well as stiffer competition among service providers and companies. However, longer travel times, traffic problems and most importantly, the risk of social exclusion make it an undesirable policy.
305 words
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#task2
Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
Some cities opt for zoning policies and allocate specific areas for commercial, educational, office and residential facilities. While this brings some clear benefits, I feel that its net impact is negative.
Admittedly, such an approach to city planning is not without its merits. By separating various buildings in distant locations, city authorities can ensure a quiet environment for people in the community. Without the constant roar of traffic and noise from business activities, people can relax and even sleep better at night. Another point to consider is increased competition among shops, schools and offices. Their proximity means that customers, students and workers will have more choices, which could lead to improved service and lower prices for customers and students, while companies will strive to retain their talents with better pay and generous benefits.
Nevertheless, all these potential advantages come at a significant cost. One clear disadvantage is longer travel times for residents. With various facilities clustered together and separated from each other, people will experience longer journeys for their daily needs. This, in turn, will add to traffic issues, which will be particularly problematic during peak hours. When most people travel to or from their homes simultaneously, it is highly likely to result in massive traffic jams and gridlocks across the city, contributing to increased commute times. In areas with poor public transport provision, this could even lower social mobility. The disadvantaged groups might struggle to pay fares, which further limits their opportunity to improve their lives and move up the social ladder.
In conclusion, the practice of dividing cities into zones with various purposes might seem appealing thanks to lower noise levels in residential areas as well as stiffer competition among service providers and companies. However, longer travel times, traffic problems and most importantly, the risk of social exclusion make it an undesirable policy.
305 words
#classwork
#task2