Transformative changes in urban transportation policies through sustainability and climate change mitigation lens : case studies from Europe

Abstract

The study provides an in-depth analysis of the historical and contemporary policy landscape that has shaped the development of sustainable urban transportation policies across European nations. Over the past few decades, there has been a concerted effort by countries to prioritize the decarbonization of the transportation sector, aiming to curtail emissions and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and safer future for all. This has sparked a widespread global shift towards sustainable mobility, prompting numerous cities to adopt measures to foster such practices globally. A comprehensive analysis of sustainable urban transportation indicators deeply assessed how well policies have achieved their objectives in study areas, considering legal, economic, social, and environmental factors. Additionally, conducting a SWOT analysis proactively identified potential gaps or challenges that may arise while adopting and implementing specific initiatives. This includes recognizing barriers to successful adoption and anticipating any risks or difficulties encountered during the implementation phase. The analysis's findings played a crucial role in assessing the effects of sustainable urban transportation policies on the cities of Huelva, Tampere, and London. They thoroughly examined the various sustainable urban transportation initiatives in these cities, specifically focusing on how they contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving urban sustainability indicators. The analysis showed that the integration of smart cities and sustainability is essential for creating urban environments that are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally conscious, socially inclusive, and economically resilient. However, successful sustainable transportation planning and choosing the most appropriate options and supporting infrastructure depends largely on the socioeconomic condition, funding opportunities, development priorities and acceptance of the local community. Therefore, the thesis recommends developing effective and efficient sustainable urban transportation policy documents based on existing information, best practices, and lessons learned. This will provide insights into existing policies' strengths and weaknesses and help identify areas for improvement. The thesis will also support a better understanding of transportation-related policy transformations in Europe and inform future policy development in this area.