Starting with a description of the demographic and constructional development of towns in the German Democratic Republic, typical aspects of town traffic are considered, the traffic consequences of changes in town structure are discussed, and an account is given of the need for mobility of people in towns and how it is provided. The effects of private cars are considered in particular. After an analysis of the general influences and tendencies of town traffic, points of difficulty are discussed, with particular regard to public transport, traffic light control, car parking, cyclists and pedestrians. The article closes with information concerning the planning and control of town traffic and the organization of its research and development.