Strengthening the knowledge and capacities of local authorities

Specific challenge: Achieving sustainable urban mobility requires the adoption of new strategic transport planning approaches at the local level which cover freight and passenger transport in an integrated way. However, very few authorities undertake a sound analysis of trends, develop scenarios and provide the necessary long term policies and focus. Without strengthening of authorities' knowledge and capacities, a transformation of urban mobility planning will not be achieved.

Scope: Proposals should address one of the following domains:

      Promoting take up of the innovative concept of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). Proposals from large networked groups of local authorities should include instruments and mechanisms for information exchange to assist them in preparing and implementing SUMPs. The plans should build on a solid methodology[1] and include quantified targets. Proposals should ensure that the plans comprise a long-term vision, build on local consultation and interdepartmental coordination, include monitoring and evaluation, address financing options, and consider a wide range of measures, including newly-emerging technologies, policy-based, and soft measures.

      Enhancing the capacities of local authorities and other stakeholders to successfully plan and implement innovative sustainable mobility measures, technologies and tools, on the basis of reliable data and analysis. Sustainable financing should play a key role, which means that special attention should be given to setting up business models, schemes for innovative procurement, the development of bankable projects and partnerships.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 2 to 4 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact: The action(s) on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans will generate a high leverage factor, especially in regions and cities where take up is so far low and the impacts from transport are severe. Participants should show a strong commitment on the preparation and implementation of the plans. The action(s) on capacity building will produce validated, practical and replicable tools and methods with guidance and training material, resulting in a maximum reach of the target audience.

Type of action: Research and Innovation Actions

[1]     See for example www.mobilityplans.eu