Urban planning has traditionally been a national prerogative, with EU policymakers able to focus only on transnational issues like standard setting and the Trans-European Networks (TENs). But with time wasted in traffic jams now costing the European Union 1% of its GDP, this looks set to change. The role of cities in Europe’s economic development cannot be taken lightly, with 80% of Europe’s population living in urban areas and generating three quarters of all economic activity.
By taking an increased role, the EU could become a catalyst for raising the standard of urban planning and development right across Europe.
Urban transport policy has been broached before at EU level, but very little progress was made on reaching consensus. Now, as Europe’s cities become more congested and contribute to rising CO2 levels, policymakers are back around the table trying to find common solutions. The European Commission will adopt in September a Green Paper on urban transport. An initial consultation document has already been released to collect the views of interested parties on how the EU can contribute to improving transport and mobility in urban areas. The EU ministers met in May to discuss strengthened policies for European cities, including socially responsible urban transport.
Continued congestion and health related problems are spurring national and local governments to find workable solutions. The economic importance of large cities also means that they are often more willing to take up challenges and spearhead innovative solutions. Differences in their size, population densities and infrastructures mean that differentiated solutions are still needed, so research, sharing of best practice, funding and incentives will all be critical elements of any new Europe-wide policy.
Volvo would like any new policy to advocate concrete action plans and deliverables from each country, outlining how and when they will address their countries’ urban mobility issues.
With constantly growing demand for personal mobility, systems must be put in place for efficient intermodal transport networks. This means that we must take a holistic approach. New technologies are making all modes cleaner and efficient, so no single mode should be viewed as better than the other. To reap the benefits of each mode, policymakers need to focus on investing in transport infrastructure and interoperability.
Volvo’s vehicles have complied with European vehicle emissions standards since 2004, and this kind of commitment has meant that Volvo vehicles have been the first choice of many of the most forward-looking local authorities. Volvo has helped cities like Helsinki meet their three-year Action Plan for Sustainability by providing state of the art vehicles for their Bus Rapid Transit system. This system is a great example of how excellent infrastructure planning and technology can make a real difference. Traffic moves smoothly while running on separate lanes with priority crossings. The bus thus avoids frequent stops, thereby reducing emissions. A GPS system goes further by alerting passengers when buses are due. With systems like these in place, authorities can tick all the boxes: quality, noise, safety, efficiency, cost, sustainability and, above all, attractiveness to the consumer.
It is obvious that technology alone does not have all the answers. Incentives also need to be made available to accelerate the purchase of environmentally superior vehicles in major cities.
The EU should also play its role in developing policies that encourage greater use of public transport, and create awareness of the important role that public transport, plays in improving the quality of life in urban areas. Together with all key stakeholders, we should identify ways and means of making public transport truly more attractive.
Volvo encourages further research and analysis into a variety of alternative fuels to run urban transport systems. Fossil fuels are going to be replaced by a whole range of alternatives as different vehicles have different properties and the energy sources are unevenly distributed across geographical areas. It would therefore be advisable for the EU to give its support to the development of several alternatives in parallel.
When deciding on alternative fuels for urban transport, it is necessary to conduct a full assessment, taking into account all aspects along the entire chain from well to wheel. This approach can identify solutions which not only produce maximum energy efficiency but also guarantee minimal environmental impact.
Alternative fuels are only part of the puzzle. An important key to resolving the problems posed by CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases is the hybrid engine, such as the one Volvo Group presented to the European community in March this year. Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas was present at our hybrid launch, and agreed then that “there is no silver bullet”. He went on to say: “What there will be instead is a range of different technologies, such as the hybrid engine, contributing to the overall goal”.
Volvo looks forward to discussing such solutions to the urban crisis with all key stakeholders, and eventually to seeing the day when Europe’s cities are moving ahead in tandem with their economic growth.
Stefan Lorentzson 
Group Vice President
Head of Volvo Group Representation, EU