European Commission’s “Low-emission mobility strategy” highlights best transport practices of Energy Cities Members


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David Donnerer

Publication date

July 26, 2016

In its recently published climate and energy summer package, the Commission recognizes the key role of cities in delivering a low-emission mobility strategy for Europe, and highlights a multitude of best practices from Energy Cities Members in this regard.

The low-emission mobility strategy constitutes the cadre for the Commission’s initiatives in the field of mobility in the coming years. The strategy is anchored in three pillars: increasing the efficiency of the transport system, speeding up the deployment of low-emission alternative energy for transport (electricity, hydrogen etc.) and moving towards zero-emission vehicles.

The delivery of this Strategy will very much depend on cities and local authorities and cities are already at the forefront in the shift to low-emission mobility”, as the Commission states. It values the ambitious targets many European cities set themselves to contribute to the fulfilment of the Paris Agreement, and vows to further support them by facilitating “the exchange of best-practices and the deployment of new technologies at the local level through initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors”.

Transport is a key sector for many members of Energy Cities, as the multitude of different actions in our best practice database show. Many member cities are undertaking ambitious measures to reduce the GHG emissions of their private and public transport, as well as their municipal fleet.

In the staff working document accompanying the low-emission mobility strategy, the European Commission highlights several best practice examples of Energy Cities’ members Utrecht, Paris and Stuttgart. The Commission notably addresses the major role that financial and administrative incentives for electric vehicles play in driving the shift to low-emission mobility. Utrecht for instance has offered additional financing for e-cars on top of provincial and national funding. Moreover, the Dutch city has pioneered with its innovative Cargohopper system , which reduces noise, pollution and congestion. Utrecht is also currently overhauling its railway station to facilitate sustainable urban mobility for its citizens.

Paris is recognized by the Commission for a number of mobility actions, such as its enabling framework for electric cars (free parking, well-spread public charging points), and its well-functioning public bicycle system, which has resulted in over 23,000 bicycles covering the city. Find heremore best practices by Paris!

Finally, the Commission lists Stuttgart as a pioneer in terms of local intelligent transport systems, which result in smoother and more efficient traffic. Stuttgart has e.g. implemented dynamic speed limits to reduce air pollution. The city is at the forefront of sustainable urban mobility not only in Europe, but also on a global scale. Stuttgart coordinates “Cities for Mobility”, a global network for sustainable urban mobility that fosters cooperation between city administrations, transportation companies, business, science and the civil society. “Cities for Mobility” promotes the development of efficient and sustainable transportation systems. It gathers over 650 members from 85 countries, in Europe, Africa, Asia, North and Latin America.

Image copyright: Poulpy