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COMMUNICATING TRANSPORT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
and Innovation
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.
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 4 of 18
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
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 5 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 6 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 7 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 8 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 9 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 10 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 11 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 12 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 13 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 14 of 18
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.
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 15 of 18
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
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 16 of 18
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
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 17 of 18
EUROFORUM European Research Forum for Urban Mobility
FP6 http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/79977_en.html
2006–2007
Thematic Research Summary: Land use and transport planning | Page 18 of 18
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
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