Benefits

There is a wide consensus that sustainable urban mobility planning contributes to a better quality of life in an urban area. This can be expressed in many smaller and larger improvements, such as more attractive public spaces, improved (road) safety, better air quality, fewer emissions, or less noise. To this extent, sustainable urban mobility planning carries an emotional message (good public spaces, children’s safety) which should be widely used and exploited in the concept promotion. close

Closely related to the positive environmental effects and changes in terms of air quality and noise, citizens and society can realise positive health effects, thereby saving in the short- as well as the long-run on significant health related cost. Furthermore, sustainable urban mobility planning offers the opportunity to tackle climate change issues. close

Sustainable urban mobility planning that ultimately results in the implementation of sustainable mobility projects or measures improves citizen’s mobility situation and facilitates the accessibility of urban areas and their services. close

A city engaged in sustainable urban mobility planning can project the image of being innovative and forward-looking. close

Planners can potentially reach more people and better respond to the needs of different user groups. Of course it can be challenging to introduce a SUMP among planners that are traditionally focused on developing infrastructure. Sustainable urban mobility planning offers planners an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to planning mobility. close

Involving stakeholders and citizens is a basic principle of sustainable urban mobility planning. Through their involvement, decisions for or against specific urban mobility measures obtain a desired level of “public legitimacy”. close

Sustainable urban mobility plans offer an effective way to tackle and fulfil legal obligation such as the European Commission’s Air Quality Directive (see: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/quality/legislation/existing_leg.htm)  or (national) noise regulations. close

Sustainable urban mobility planning offers the opportunity to develop another kind of political vision for a city. For officials in local authorities, it provides a longer term agenda and a clear programme to work towards. SUMP has the potential to deliver more results in a less conflictive environment, if carefully carried out. close

Sustainable urban mobility planning encourages an effective and integrated planning culture for urban mobility in Europe. It is an approach that aims for the integration of sectors and institutions. In most cases, the SUMP is driven by a city’s mobility and/or transport department. However, it is one of its principles to involve other municipal or regional departments (for example, land-use, environment, economic development, social inclusion, health, safety) in the planning process. Therefore, policy relevance of SUMP is not limited to mobility and transport, and this planning approach contributes to the achievement of “other” goals (social, environmental, economic) as well. close

SUMPs can help planners access certain funding pools, which are available for innovative solutions or integrated planning approaches. In some cases, the existence (or the work towards the adoption) of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan can improve the competitiveness of a city when applying for funding. close