| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2013) 913 final (17.12.13) |
| Publication Date | 17/12/2013 |
| Content Type | Policy-making, Report |
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Europe's cities – home to 70% of the EU population and generating over 80% of the Union's GDP - are connected by one of the world's best transport systems. But mobility within cities is increasingly difficult and inefficient. Urban mobility is still heavily reliant on the use of conventionally-fuelled private cars. Only slow progress is being made in shifting towards more sustainable modes of urban mobility. Many European towns and cities suffer from chronic traffic congestion which is estimated to cost €80 billion annually. Urban areas also account for a high share, some 23%, of all CO2 emissions from transport. Cities need to make more efforts to turn past trends around and contribute to achieving the 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions called for by the Commission's White Paper "Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system" (hereafter "2011 White Paper on Transport"). With their high population densities and high share of short-distance trips, there is a greater potential for cities to move towards low-carbon transport than for the transport system as a whole, through the development of walking, cycling, public transport – and the early market introduction of vehicles powered by alternative fuels. EU legislation on air quality and increasingly stringent emission standards for road vehicles seek to protect citizens from harmful exposure to air-borne pollutants and particulate matter. But cities in virtually all Member States are still struggling to comply with the legal requirements. A Eurobarometer survey investigated attitudes towards urban mobility. A strong majority of citizens considers congestion, the cost, and the negative environmental and human health impacts of urban mobility and transport patterns to be important problems. Most respondents were rather pessimistic about the prospects for improving the traffic situation in their cities. The survey also showed that considerable differences exist across the EU. There is an increasing 'urban mobility gap' between Europe's few advanced cities and the majority trailing behind. This Communication aims to reinforce the support to European cities for tackling urban mobility challenges. A step-change in the approach to urban mobility is needed to ensure that Europe's urban areas develop along a more sustainable path and that EU goals for a competitive and resource-efficient European transport system are met. It is also crucial to overcome fragmented approaches and develop the single market for innovative urban mobility solutions by addressing issues like common standards and specifications or joint procurement. The Communication sets out how the Commission will strengthen its actions on sustainable urban mobility in areas where there is EU added value. The Commission also encourages Member States to take more decisive and better coordinated action. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2013:913:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Mobility and Transport |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
