I should have been more clear regarding planning for automobiles in our urban centers, rather than road infrastructure altogether. Although the flawed statistics and thought that the roads would negate the need for vast stretches of our railways through the Beeching years and the hubris of those decisions is another discussion.
The point being by the author was the priority of the vehicle over pedestrians in our town centres, our retail districts etc. Not just here, but in areas of the US its even worse where you have laws preventing you from even crossing or walking along some roads.
You can consider Brighton as a case in point in what should be an amazing retail experience from a stroll down from the station to the shops, and beach beyond. What could be a tree lined avenue from the station to a thriving piazza around the Clock Tower, it is a walk with pavements barely wide enough to accommodate 3 people abreast, let alone wheelchairs etc.
Yes, I agree re town centres and some are awful.
Being an optimist(most of the time!) I do believe that positive steps are being taken re quite a few town centres. Much more to be done though!