Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Sustainable Mobility in Metropolitan Areas
María Eugenia López-Lambas
This paper presents some experiences around Europe: Holland, Spain, France, UK,
etc., and their legislative and policy framework. These good practices show how to
combine the right level of provision of infrastructures to attend mobility demand,
but taking care for quality of life and environmental standards in new urban and
business developments. The paper points out which are the key elements of a
mobility plan, its phases, measures and the importance of a well designed public
participation procedure.
Introduction
Some facts
[1]
:
-
Europe is one of the most urbanized continents. Approximately 75% of its
population lives in urban areas; by 2020, this will be 80% (EEA).
EU-27 greenhouse emissions would have fallen (1990-2005) by 14% instead of
-
7.9% (TERM). Short term projections indicate that 2010 greenhouse gas emissions
will be the same as in 2005.
Urban transport contributes to 40% of transport related CO
-
2
emissions and is
responsible for 70% of emissions of other pollutants arising from road transport.
The number of road traffic accidents in cities is growing each year: one in three
-
fatal accidents happens in urban areas.
According to the World Health Organisation, about 100,000 deaths a year could
-
be linked to ambient air pollution in cities in Europe.
NO
-
2
and PM
10
concentrations at selected traffic monitoring stations indicate that
cities are at or above European quality air limits.
M.E. López-Lambas (
*
)
Universidad Politécnica Madrid (UPM), Research Transport Centre TRANSyT-UPM
