This is an interesting article.
http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/articles/tt/june20,06.shtml

We've coped perfectly well without a car for the last seven years.  We have not been limited in places we have visited from ultra rural to big cities abroad and at home.  It's all to do with knowledge and mindsets.  Many car-dependents simply don't think a journey is possible without a car, or thinks it just too far beyond the pail to use public transport (and their legs) if it involves more than a simple direct journey.  Buses are smelly and for the pre-driving age youff or elderly.  Trains more or less the same.  Bicycles for those that cannot afford a car.  And who wants to walk?  Dangerous out there.

I often think our friends think we're either being stubborn, backward, stupid or all three for refusing to buy, maintain and drive a car.  It's not that we never had one nor that we cannot drive.  We just chose not to now and it's the best decision we've made concerning our quality of life.  Admittedly over the last seven years we have always lived in a city with decent transport links.  This of course helps but our life choices have also revolved around our wish to remain car-free for as long as practicable.  We have not applied for jobs which have no transport links.  I have chosen to try working freelance so I can work more from home or anywhere with a decent internet connection. I no longer wish to start my day on the motorway (a soul-destroying thing I've done once, never again).  When we eventually move somewhere more rural we will try and maintain our car-free status.

Being without a car in fact brings us freedom that autophiles cannot imagine.  I'd rather endure a delay on a train or waiting for a train with my iPod on and a good book, than stuck for hours in a metal box, wasting petrol, crawling forward on a bleak road.  I don't want to have my nerves frayed by inconsiderate drivers in inconsiderately designed cars.  How barbaric.  A slow bus journey can take you through the most beautiful countryside and scenery and you can spend all your attention taking it in rather than keeping your eye on the road.  Let someone else take the strain.  Similarly on the trains.  If only more of our little branch lines could be re-opened.  We never have to think of finding somewhere to park, to top up the meter, wonder if we'll get a ticket or clamped.  We don't have to watch our speed, we can enjoy a drink or two without a thought. 

Being car-free only requires a bit of forethought and planning.  Nothing as strenuous as remembering to pay your road tax or insurance or awaiting the bill at MOT time.

We don't have a perfect public transport system in this country but the more people who use it, the better it will get.

Your probably right.  The trouble is any Government / Council etc knows that anything they do that is seen to be anti car is deeply un popular with voters (remember the recent 'against road pricing' petition)  Sadly we've become a nation where our lives have become too car dependent with many planning decisions, work / shopping locations etc designed around car usage.