.
Counter-urbanisation .
Counter-urbanisation is the movement of people out of cities, to the surrounding areas. Since 1950 this proccess has been occurring in MEDCs. There are four main reasons for counter-urbanisation: .
1. The increase in car ownership over the last 40 years means people are more mobile. This has led to an increase in commuting. Also, the growth in information technology means more people can work from home. .
2. Urban areas are becoming increasing unpleasant place to live. This is the result of pollution, crime and traffic congestion. .
3. More people tend to move when they retire. .
4. New business parks on the edge of cities (on Greenfield sites) mean people no longer have to travel to the city centre. People now prefer to live on the outskirts of the city to be near where they work. .
Urban Problems in MEDCs .
These include: .
Traffic problems. Car ownership and commuting means an increase in congestion and pollution. .
Decline in industry. As older manufacturing industries have closed they have left empty, derelict buildings towards the centre of the city. Modern industries need more space so tend to locate on the edge of the city. .
High unemployment in inner city areas leads to social problems. .
Changes in shopping . City centre locations are no longer favoured. There has been a recent growth in out of town shopping centres, which has led to the decline of many CBDs.
CASE STUDY- INNER CITY REDEVELOPMENT - LONDON DOCKLANDS .
In 1981 the London's Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was set up to improve the economic, social and environmental problems that had developed in the area that was once one of the world's busiest ports. The area had been in decline since the 1950's. This is because larger ships could no longer access the port. Unemployment soared, the back to back terraced housing fell into disrepair and their was a lack of transport and leisure facilities.
Between 1981-1998 many changes occurred within the Docklands.
