Urban environment and Transport in the European Union

Postgraduate Thesis uoadl:1332431 510 Read counter

Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Στρατηγικές Διαχείρισης Περιβάλλοντος
Library of the School of Science
Deposit date:
2017-03-05
Year:
2017
Author:
Chalvantzi Efstathia
Supervisors info:
Ιωάννα Κουφάκη, Δρ. Νομικής, Δικηγόρος
Original Title:
Αστικό περιβάλλον και Μεταφορές στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση
Languages:
Greek
Translated title:
Urban environment and Transport in the European Union
Summary:
European cities account for nearly 73% of the total EU population and for almost 85% of the EU’s GDP. They are the cores of development mechanisms, employment and major investment opportunities, social and cultural life, therefore they require an efficient transport system, in order to support and service both the economy and welfare of the residents. Existing systems, however, display an increasing inefficiency and difficulties in management with heavy impact on the quality of life of citizens, the economy and the natural environment.
Air pollution, climate change, noise pollution, degradation affecting ground and landscape, traffic congestion, accidents, impacts on health and social health, social inequalities - they are all negative impacts of the transport sector, caused mainly by the "fondness" of European citizens for motor vehicles, which is the most significant contribution to the pollution of urban areas. This diploma thesis firstly analyses the above impacts in modern European cities mainly based on recent TERM (Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism) reports and other EEA reports and articles.
In the current adverse conditions in city centers the only answer is to develop a single coordinated transport policy that ensures and combines optimally urban mobility and minimizing all other negative impacts. As the need for change in policy has become very urgent in recent years, the thesis therefore focuses on the evolution of EU legislation (Derivatives, Regulations, Action Plans, Policies and Strategies, White - Green Papers), since the 1990s, in the sectors of urban environment and transport. At the same time, are also analyzed the relevant legislations on air, climate and energy, vehicle and fuel standards, as well as new technologies, which are integrated with the two main concepts in order to develop coherent policies according to the term of ‘Sustainable Development’.
Approaching today’s demands, the term of ‘Sustainable Urban Mobility’ and the need for a clear vision is introduced with the concept of ‘Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans’ (SUMPs), which are supported vigorously by the European Commission and are implemented steadily in cities all over Europe and very soon in Greece. This approach plans to integrate the transport planning policies with other policy sectors like environmental protection, land use planning, social aspects of accessibility and mobility as well as economic development and the process of implementing a SUMP is designed in order to help European cities meet EU targets. SUMPs encourage the shift towards more sustainable modes and point out specifically the involvement and participation, from the outset and throughout the whole process, of citizens, to ensure a high level of acceptance and support. Cities are guided thoroughly through a step-by-step process available on ELTIS platform, including best practice examples from European cities.
Furthermore, the thesis presents new developments in research and innovation, which are expected to be promoted soon in market. They will contribute to the transition of cities towards sustainability, approaching at the same time the EU targets. These developments include 'clean' vehicles, mainly electric and other alternative fuels, 'intelligent' transport systems (ITS) such as - driver behaviour and autonomous driving, traffic management, information and navigation - systems, technological innovations in road infrastructure and networks, as well as introducing new forms of urban public transport organization (vehicle sharing, door-to-door, etc.)
The thesis concludes with a brief presentation of the current situation in Greece, including the National Strategy on ITS and the recent announcement of Greece’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy concerning the funding of Greek municipalities through its Green Fund in order to draft SUMPs. It also expresses some concerns, especially on policy lines and the future development of SUMPs. General conclusions emerged from the research and writing process highlight the major matter of urban transport as one of the most critical ones for the future of both modern society and for the future of the planet and should be addressed as such.
Main subject category:
Science
Other subject categories:
Geology
Keywords:
Urban environment, urban transport, impacts, quality of life, air pollution, climate and energy, European Union, EU, European legislation, policy, sustainable urban mobility, Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, SUMPs, clean vehicles, intelligent transport systems
Index:
No
Number of index pages:
0
Contains images:
Yes
Number of references:
71
Number of pages:
99
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