Polis welcomes the release of the European Action Plan on Urban Mobility

For several years now, European cities and regions - through the medium of city networks - have called for an ambitious European policy on urban mobility. It is therefore with great pleasure that Polis welcomes the Action Plan, a second landmark after the Green paper towards the definition of the European policy on urban mobility. Polis sees potential in the Action Plan in supporting the development of a new urban mobility culture which includes a shift towards more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Therefore, Polis is happy to support the European Commission in implementing the Action Plan. In particular, Polis is willing to help in bringing the urban mobility observatory to life.

Polis president M. Francesc Narvaez, Councillor from Barcelona expressed his satisfaction and "looks forward to supporting the implementation of the Action plan and to engage in a dialogue to further deepen the European policy on urban mobility. "

M. Karsten Möring, Cllr from Cologne attended the press conference held for the release of the Action Plan in Brussels, and hosted by vice-president Tajani during which he "welcomed the emphasis of the European Commission on the definition and provision of guidance for cities." Indeed, guidance at the European level is most welcome on several topics, and is likely to steer the development of mobility in our cities in the right direction.

He particularly stressed "the importance of supporting the take-up of sustainable urban mobility plans." Even if there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, there are processes which can help to identify the best solutions, and which allow the possibility of involving citizens in the future of mobility in their cities, and this is what is meant by sustainable urban mobility plans.

The most important challenge for our urban mobility systems in the years to come will be the funding of public transport in the context of an ageing society and the increasing scarcity of public funding. Mrs Helma Orosz, Mayor of Dresden, "welcomed the initiative of the Commission to address directly this question of funding" and looks forward to having a constructive dialogue on this fundamental issue to which there is no simple answer. "If we want to preserve the well- being of our citizens and the quality of life in our cities, we have no choice but collectively, at all levels of government, with all partners, to provide good quality public transport" said Mrs Orosz.

The second important challenge, obviously related to public transport as well, is our ability to contain the impact of urban mobility on the environment, to contribute to fight climate change while preserving for our citizens the accessibility to services, jobs and leisure. For this we need to work with all actors for cleaner urban transport.

M. Stéphane Coppey, President of Toulouse transport authority Tisséo, views the announcement by the European Commission that it will continue to support research and demonstration projects in a positive light: projects, for example, on lower and zero emissions vehicles. He trusts that this "will lead to the continuity of the CIVITAS programme, a flagship initiative which has helped to bring change to urban mobility in many cities and has the potential to do much more if it receives adequate funding over the coming years." He also hopes that beyond this, cities will be able to have a constructive dialogue on a future European programme supporting urban mobility in the next financial period.

For more inforrmation, contact Sylvain Haon or Oliver Jung