Urban Environment Plans

The Committee of the Regions has urged the European Commission to create an action plan if it wants Europe to benefit from lower greenhouse gas emissions.

It has also been asked to make more funding available to cities looking to develop sustainable infrastructures and low carbon vehicles in a bid not only to reduce emissions but also create jobs.

CoR Rapporteur and Member of Birmingham City Council,  Sir Albert Bore, said: “The European Urban Mobility Strategy is a vital component of a climate change plan to reduce greenhouse gases from traffic.

“The CoR seeks improvements in urban mobility to support economic competitiveness, reduce fossil fuels, decarbonise transport, improve air quality and hence improve the quality of life of European citizens in urban areas.

“It urges the EU to support the widespread adoption of Urban Mobility Plans, such as those already in place for many French and German cities. It also advocates a model where these plans are implemented via long-term public-public or public-private agreements called Mobility Agreements.”

The CoR wants a closer working relationship between the EU and the European Investment Bank to support sustainable and low carbon schemes.

There have also been calls from the CoR to introduce an annual European practice of awarding outstanding and transferable transport initiatives and projects.

Last Updated: 24/04/2009 04:21:30 By Christine Barrella