Traffic congestion

Towns grew before the motor vehicle were invented so therefore most cities have not adapted easily to cope with the modern levels of traffic.

Many local authorities have tried to solve the problem of too many cars by only allowing pedestrians in certain areas of the CBD (pedestrianisation).

Many have built urban motorways and flyovers, ring roads and by-passes to divert traffic away from the centre. In London and other cities congestion charges aim to keep non-essential vehicles out of the CBD.

Lack of space and high cost of land

In the CBD land is expensive and very scarce, therefore high-rise buildings have been built to combat these problems.

Urban Decline 

Some parts of the CBD have become run down and boarded up shops and offices are vandalized. This is urban decay and may be caused by competition from large out-of-town shopping centres.

Pollution

Water, land and air pollution are very common in the city centre due to heavy traffic, large numbers of workers and nearby heavy industry.