thematic research summary: land use and transport planning · 2015-10-16 · the european...

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COMMUNICATING TRANSPORT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

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Transport

Land use and transport planning

Thematic Research Summary

Disclaimer

This publication was produced by the Transport Research and Innovation Portal (TRIP) consortium for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). It was compiled by Florian Klute, Tina Bessel and Eckhard Szimba (KIT). The project team wishes to thank Helen West for reviewing the document. LEGAL NOTICE: The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be made of the following information. Additional information on transport research programmes and related projects is available on the Transport Research and Innovation Portal website at www.transport-research.info. © European Union, 2014 Cover: © photlook – Fotolia.com. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

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Table of Contents

Preface .......................................................................................... 3

1. Introduction ............................................................................ 5

2. Sub-Theme: Land use and transport planning in an urban

context .................................................................................... 7

3. Sub-Theme: Land use and transport planning in a wider

context .................................................................................... 9

4. Future Challenges for Research Policy .................................. 11

The urban context .................................................................................. 11

The wider context ................................................................................... 11

Bibliography ................................................................................ 13

Glossary ....................................................................................... 15

ANNEX: Projects by Sub-Theme ................................................... 16

Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 3 of 18

Preface

This Thematic Research Summary (TRS) has been produced as a part of the activities of

the Transport Research and Innovation Portal (TRIP) project. The purpose of TRIP is to

collect, structure, analyse and disseminate the results of EU-supported transport

research and research financed nationally in the European Research Area (ERA), and

selected global research programmes. The main dissemination tool used by TRIP is the

public web portal www.transport-research.info.

The Thematic Research Summaries provide a structured guide to the results of research

projects carried out mainly at EU level, either as part of a framework programme or as a

study commissioned by the European Commission (EC). These summaries are intended

for policy makers at European, national and local levels, stakeholders and researchers.

The Thematic Research Summary on Land use and transport planning is one of 24

themes, which provides:

• an overview of research activities in a specific aspect of transport focusing on EU-

funded projects;

• analysis and compilation of research findings and recommendations.

An overview of the Thematic Research Summaries is presented in Table 1.



Table 1: Transport themes used in TRIP

Domains TRIP Themes

Sector Passenger transport

Freight transport

Mode Air transport

Rail transport

Road transport

Urban transport

Water transport (sea and inland)

Multimodal transport

Policy Financing, pricing and taxation

Regulation, competition and public services

Infrastructure and TEN-T

Land use and transport planning

Climate policy and energy efficiency

Security and safety

International cooperation and EU Neighbourhood Policy

Awareness, information and user rights

Technology Intelligent transport systems

Innovative technologies

Transport management

Evaluation Long-term perspectives

Assessment and decision support methodologies

Environmental impacts

Economic and regional impacts

Accessibility, social and equity impacts


1. Introduction

Today, 74 % of people in Europe live in urban areas and this percentage is expected to

increase to 84 % by 2050 (UN, 2011; EC, 2009a). The underlying trend of urbanisation is

drawing population and economic activity from remote rural areas to urban areas, which

can result in unsustainable urban sprawl, spatially segregated land use and land

fragmentation. In the EU, more than 1 000 km² are taken up every year for residential

areas, industrial and commercial purposes, transport infrastructure and recreational

areas (EC, 2011b).

Spatial separation of home, work and leisure activities increases transport demand,

which is a growing challenge for policy makers and transport planners. Relatively low

population densities in rural and peripheral areas make it difficult to provide public

transport of sufficient quality to attract substantial numbers of users (EC, 2007, 2009a).

Urban sprawl has resulted in growing demand for individual transport, such as the

private car. This is due to the fact that distances have increased between private citizens,

public service providers and businesses as a result of the trend to concentrate economic

activities and public institutions in major urban areas (EC, 2009a). Low land density

leads to increased traffic, congestion and environmental pollution with adverse effects on

the quality of life (EC, 2007).

The European Commission gives priority to balancing land use, transport planning and

urban mobility, taking into account the interdependence of transport, land use and the

links between cities and surrounding areas and regions (EC, 2007, 2009b, 2011a). The

objective is that all EU policies take into account their impact on land use in the EU and

globally (EC, 2011b). To achieve this goal and to improve the sustainability of transport

systems, cities in Europe are encouraged to develop Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (EC,

2009b, 2013). This concept focuses on embedding urban mobility into a wider urban and

territorial strategy that includes transport, land-use, spatial planning, as well as

environment, economic development and social policy (EC, 2013).

EU-funded research has contributed to the development and implementation of land use

and transport policies for cleaner cities and regions.


Research and studies on land use and transport planning are presented in two

subthemes:

• Urban land use and transport planning

• Land use and transport planning in a wider context.


2. Sub-Theme: Land use and transport

planning in an urban context

EU transport policy is directed at supporting cities to move towards a new

mobility culture through developing and adopting integrated approaches to

urban transport and land use. Research has identified best practices in

integrated land use and transport policies to improve the sustainability of urban

transport systems.

Efficient transport is essential for the competitiveness of European cities as commercial

and economic hubs. However, urban sprawl has major impacts on land use and growing

transport demand, which have adverse effects on the quality of life in many cities. EU-

funded research has led to guidelines and strategies to integrate urban land use and

transport planning.

2MOVE2 (New forms of sustainable urban transport and mobility, FP7, 2012–

2016) is introducing sustainable, energy-efficient transport systems in a group of cities

in Europe. Specific emphasis is being given to measures in e-mobility, freight and ITS-

based traffic management, and to linking the proposed measures with Sustainable Urban

Mobility Plans. The impacts are to be evaluated and compared, and measures identified

for land use and transport planning in small- and medium-sized towns.

NODES (New tOols for Design and OpEration of Urban Transport InterchangeS,

FP7, 2012–2015) is producing guidelines and a toolbox to support city authorities to

design and operate new ways to integrate urban transport in other types of land use. The

effectiveness hereof is to be validated at reference sites where interchanges are being

upgraded or constructed. The toolbox is to be disseminated as a reference for other cities

in Europe.

SPIDER PLUS (Sustainable Plan for Integrated Development through the

European Rail Network Projecting Logistics & Mobility for Urban Spatial Design

Evolution, FP7, 2012–2015) is assessing the future role of high speed rail and the rail

corridors in Europe, and their integration in national, regional and local transport

systems. Trends in urban and regional planning are to be identified and more sustainable

mobility of people and freight movement promoted.


SUSTAINCITY (Micro-simulation for the Prospective of Sustainable Cities in

Europe, FP7, 2010–2013) updated urban simulation models and their interaction with

transport models. Three case studies with an empirical analysis were carried out in three

European agglomerations: Ile-de-France, Brussels and Zurich.

Study to support an Impact Assessment of the Urban Mobility Package

(European Commission, DG MOVE, 2013) reviewed data on indicators for sustainable

mobility and urban mobility planning in Europe. The study showed that a competitive and

resource-efficient transport system requires measures to address land use. Options to

increase the benefits of an urban transport planning were compared.

Review of the Action Plan on Urban Mobility (European Commission, DG MOVE,

2013) analysed how the Action Plan on Urban Mobility (EC, 2009b) has been

implemented, and how stakeholders have received and responded to it. The study found

that both the Action Plan and the Green Paper on Urban Mobility (EC, 2007) are

considered to be major steps to a fully integrated vision. The study found that more

transparency is needed to raise awareness of sustainable urban mobility and the role that

the European Commission can play in this process.

Study on Urban Freight Transport (European Commission, DG MOVE, 2012)

reviewed practices and measures as well as planned actions for urban freight transport in

the EU Member States. Land use planning measures are needed in the medium to long

term to foster sustainable urban distribution and could be a cost-effective approach for

city authorities. The study concluded that authorities need to focus on planning-led

policies that combine land use planning and freight transport.

EUROFORUM (European Research Forum for Urban Mobility, FP6, 2006–2007)

identified research priorities to reduce the cost of urban mobility, to rationalise motorised

traffic and to increase the attractiveness of public transport, walking and cycling. Tools to

support the development of urban transport policy, such as integration in land use

planning including technical harmonisation at EU level, were promoted.


3. Sub-Theme: Land use and transport

planning in a wider context

Land use and transport planning are complex and interrelated issues that need

to be addressed by stakeholders at local, national, regional and European level.

EU transport policy and EU-funded research are developing and implementing

solutions to reduce land take for settlement purposes and transport

infrastructure, and to enhance the quality and sustainability of transport

systems in Europe.

Sustainable land use and transport planning at local level needs to be promoted and

guided by national, regional and European strategy. As land use and transport planning

are interlinked, cooperation between planning bodies at different levels is required. EU-

funded research contributes to developing integrated strategies for land use and

transport planning at the regional, national and EU level.

HELM (Harmonised European Land Monitoring, FP7, 2011–2013) aligned national

and regional land monitoring procedures more closely with EU procedures and practices.

The project enabled integration of these procedures into a coherent European Land Use

and Land Cover (LULC) data system.

SCARSE (Spatial competition between railway stations, FP7, 2008–2011)

analysed the economic impact of railway stations on their surrounding areas. The project

focused on commercial land-use and the spatial distribution of economic activities, and

quantified the effect of greater concentration of commercial activity close to railway stations.

PLUREL (Peri-urban Land Use Relationships: strategies and sustainability

assessment tools for urban-rural Linkages, FP6, 2007–2010) developed planning

and forecasting tools for sustainable rural and urban land use. By analysing urbanisation

trends, the project developed ways to improve the quality of life in rural areas. The cost

of implementing these strategies was evaluated, and stakeholders were supported in

improving planning and forecasting interactions in urban, peri-urban and rural areas.


SENSOR (Sustainability impact assessment: tools for environmental, social and

economic effects of multifunctional land use in European Regions, FP6, 2004–

2009) developed and validated multi-modelling tools including databases and spatial

reference frameworks to assess the sustainability impact of multi-functional land use.

These quantitative tools enable assessment of environmental, social and economic

effects of land-use policies in terms of sustainability impacts.

MAX (Successful Travel Awareness Campaigns and Mobility Management

Strategies, FP6, 2006–2009) explored links and synergies between mobility

management, travel awareness, and land use planning. The theory and practice of

integrated land use planning, transport and mobility management were analysed, as well

as essential conditions for integrating mobility management and spatial planning

processes.

ASSET (Assessing Sensitiveness to Transport, FP6, 2007–2009) developed

methodologies to implement EU policies that balance environmental protection and an

efficient transport system in transport sensitive areas, such as mountainous, urban or

natural areas. A common framework of definitions, criteria and valuation parameters was

developed for transport sensitive areas, and a methodology to assess policy instruments

for the protection of such areas was reviewed.

STEPS (Scenarios for the Transport System and Energy Supply and their

Potential Effects, FP6, 2004–2006) developed and assessed scenarios for the

transport system and energy supply of the future. These scenarios included autonomy

and security of energy supply, and impacts on the environment and the economy,

technical viability, and interactions between transport and land use planning. An

evaluation framework for the simulated scenarios was set up and validated by transport

and energy experts.


4. Future Challenges for Research

Policy

EU-funded research on land use and transport planning provides a sound basis for

decision making by Member States on integrating these two sectors. Research supports

policy makers in developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for sustainable

mobility and land use in Europe.

The urban context

For urban areas, transport and land use policies need to be more integrated to respond

to socio-economic changes that affect transport patterns. Understanding user behaviour

in the choice of transport mode and mobility is essential for developing transport policies

for sustainable mobility. Research is needed to identify factors that influence user

behaviour and location choice, and to gain more understanding of major societal trends,

such as the impact of urban sprawl on demand for land and transport services.

Research is also needed on linking freight transport and urban land use. A holistic approach

to land use planning is required that takes account of demand for urban freight logistics and

the needs of the logistics sector. Land-use planning measures, such as designated logistics

zones for distribution centres and lorry parking, could contribute to reducing "logistics

sprawl" and thus to reducing urban congestion and environmental pollution. In terms of

policy, land use measures need to be fully integrated into urban logistics plans.

The wider context

Transport and land use are interrelated. Changes in transport technology and services

have impacts on the accessibility of regions and thus influence land use demand and

choices. However, changes in land use also affect transport patterns. Research is needed

to assess and refine policies that cover land use and transport planning and that

integrate land use planning and transport planning at all administrative levels.


Recent EU-funded research has contributed to greater understanding of various policy

instruments to integrate land use and transport policies. However, research is needed on

how to integrate these policy instruments effectively. The barriers to implementation need

to be identified, such as organisational, financial and political issues. For integrated policy-

making, the diversity in the Member States needs to be taken into account in terms of

geography, settlement pattern, and economic structure. Thus, research needs to focus on

gaining greater understanding of the transferability of results from one context to another

to find integrated and tailored solutions for transport and land use planning.


Bibliography

Commission of the European Communities (2007): Towards a new culture for urban

mobility, Green Paper, COM(2007) 551 final, Brussels.

European Commission (2009a): A sustainable future for transport: Towards an

integrated, technology-led and user-friendly system, Communication from the

Commission, COM(2009) 279 final, Brussels.

European Commission (2009b): Action Plan on Urban Mobility, COM(2009) 490 final.

European Commission (2011a): Roadmap to a single European transport area – Towards

a competitive and resource-efficient transport system, White Paper, COM(2011) 144

final, Brussels.

European Commission (2011b): Roadmap to a Resource efficient Europe, Communication

from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European

Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, COM(2011) 571

final, Brussels.

European Commission (2013): Together towards competitive and resource-efficient

urban mobility, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament,

the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the

Regions, COM(2013) 913 final, Brussels.

European Commission (2013): A concept for sustainable urban mobility plans, Annex to

the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council,

the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions,

Together towards competitive and resource-efficient urban mobility, COM(2013) 913

final, Brussels.

European Environment Agency (2011): Landscape fragmentation in Europe, Joint EEA-

FOEN Report, EEA Report No 2/2011, Publications Office of the European Union,

Luxembourg.


European Union (2013): Decision No 1386/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of

the Council, of 20 November 2013, on a General Union Environment Action

Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’, Official Journal of

the European Union, Brussels.

United Nations (2011): World Urbanization Prospects: the 2011 Revision, New York.


Glossary

DG MOVE Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport

EC European Commission

ERA European Research Area

EU European Union

FP6 Sixth Framework Programme

FP7 Seventh Framework Programme

TRIP Transport Research and Innovation Portal

TRS Thematic Research Summary


ANNEX: Projects by Sub-Theme

Sub-Theme : Land use and transport planning in urban context

Acronym Title Funding Programme

Project Website Duration

2MOVE2 New forms of sustainable urban transport and mobility

FP7 http://www.civitas.eu/content/2move2 2012–2016

NODES New tOols for Design and OpEration of Urban Transport InterchangeS

FP7 http://www.nodes-interchanges.eu/ 2012–2015

SPIDER PLUS Sustainable Plan for Integrated Development through the European Rail Network Projecting Logistics & Mobility for Urban Spatial Design Evolution

FP7 http://www.spiderplus-project.eu/ 2012–2015

SUSTAINCITY Micro-simulation for the Prospective of Sustainable Cities in Europe

FP7 http://www.sustaincity.org/ 2010–2013

Study to support an Impact Assessment of the Urban Mobility Package

DG MOVE http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/studies/doc/2013-10-urban-mobility-package-activity-31.pdf

2013

Review of the Action Plan on Urban Mobility

DG MOVE http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/studies/doc/2013-07-review-of-the-action-plan-on-urban-mobility.pdf

2013

Study on Urban Freight Transport DG MOVE http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/studies/doc/2012-04-urban-freight-transport.pdf

2012

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/studies/doc/2013-10-urban-mobility-package-activity-31.pdf



http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/studies/doc/2013-07-review-of-the-action-plan-on-urban-mobility.pdf



http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/studies/doc/2012-04-urban-freight-transport.pdf




EUROFORUM European Research Forum for Urban Mobility

FP6 http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/79977_en.html

2006–2007


Sub-Theme: Land use and transport planning in a wider context

Acronym Title Funding Programme

Project Website Duration

HELM Harmonised European Land Monitoring

FP7 http://www.fp7helm.eu/ 2011–2013

SCARSE Spatial competition between railway stations

FP7 http://www.tsu.ox.ac.uk/research/scarse/ 2008–2011

PLUREL Peri-urban Land Use Relationships – Strategies and Sustainability Assessment Tools for Urban – Rural Linkages

FP6 http://www.plurel.net/ 2007–2010

SENSOR Sustainability Impact Assessment: Tools for Environmental, Social and Economic Effects of Multifunctional Land Use in European Regions

FP6 http://www.sensor-ip.org/ 2004–2009

MAX Successful Travel Awareness Campaigns and Mobility Management Strategies

FP6 http://www.max-success.eu/ 2006–2009

ASSET Assessing Sensitiveness to Transport FP6 http://www.asset-eu.org/ 2007–2009

STEPS Scenarios for the Transport System and Energy Supply and their Potential Effects

FP6 http://www.steps-eu.com/ 2004–2006

thematic research summary: land use and transport planning · 2015-10-16 · the european...

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