Also, you just have to take reality as it exists to an extent. England's population density is high too, but public transport is what it is. They can make it be

Also, you just have to take reality as it exists to an extent. England's population density is high too, but public transport is what it is. They can make it better, if they can. We can't just look at population density, conclude that it could be like the netherlands and proceed as if it is. It isn't. Regardless, reducing rural car ownership in most places means reducing quality of life. It also reduces economic well being. People have fewer employment options, can't access supermarkets and such... The whole approach of "make driving expensive" as the main policy vehicle is heartless... The actual way it works is that only wealthier people can drive, and that driving is actually important to people's lives. It's a totally different proposition in London and in the country. If England (scotland & Wales are more sparse) becomes the netherlands great... but losing your car without gaining regular bus routes is a genuine loss. People need to get around.