Delhi recently introduced a program to allow drivers to drive only on certain days of the week, depending on whether their license plate ends in an odd or even number. Dhaka officials have announced that they will do likewise. Only one problem: it doesn’t usually work. It is too easy to circumvent the ban by buying a second car...or switching the license plates.

And no wonder, when cars receive the red carpet treatment and those traveling by less polluting, and less space-consuming means, are punished.

There are lots of other ways to address the problems caused by cars—methods that have been proven to work. These include charging fees for parking based on the time used, instituting congestion charges (fines for entering the downtown or other areas during peak times), and improving the situation for all those NOT in cars, including by providing wide footpaths, zebra crossings, protected bicycle lanes, and by supporting public transit.

It’s a good thing that governments are trying to address the congestion and pollution caused by cars; it would be even better if they went about it right!