Topical themes
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Data and digitalization provide an ever better understanding of what is happening on the streets, including where traffic and transport is concerned. Intelligent traffic lights, the so-called iVRIs, are just one example of how the infrastructure is becoming increasingly digital and the data chain of Talking Traffic is therefore expanding all the time. The basis lies in a continuous exchange of information between the environment and the road user and vice versa.
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Space in the city is scarce: the limits of our mobility system had already been reached and there is simply no room for any more car traffic. But we do want to keep moving. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a flexible and demand-driven way of meeting the demand for mobility, with the focus on the traveler. The supply of public transport and shared mobility play an important role in this. Travelers receive a travel advice with a suitable offer of one or more modalities, with which they can travel from door to door. It is even possible to choose the mobility offer with the lowest CO2 emissions.
The supply and transport of goods is essential for the functioning of the city. We want this process to run as smartly and cleanly as possible. Busy residential areas where delivery vans deliver packages several times a day do not fit in with this. The quality of life and traffic safety are under great pressure as a result. And this while it can be done much more efficiently. The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is bringing together public authorities, market parties, knowledge institutions and entrepreneurs (associations) to organize urban logistic flows in a smarter, more sustainable and safer way. This will be done by combining clean means of transport and smart ways of organizing the logistics process. Important ingredients are hubs, lots of data and smart mobility applications.
More and more data is becoming available. Data provides insight into what is actually happening on the streets. At what times is it busy and at what locations? How are facilities being used? How is bicycle use? Compared to the model calculations that governments used to have to base their policies and choices on, data offers city administrators significant added value. They get concrete instruments to steer management and maintenance in a more focused way.
Living, working, recreation and health care: residential areas can be designed so that as many facilities and functions as possible are within walking or cycling distance. This means far fewer trips are needed and travelers are less dependent on a car to get to their destination. Safe walking and cycling requires not only space, but also an appropriate design of the public space with attention to traffic and social safety.
A flexible and diverse public transport offer is needed to properly meet individual travel needs. This requires agreements between governments and companies that offer transport. When constructing housing, the proximity of public transport must be taken into consideration, so that the car becomes less necessary and there are sufficient high quality alternatives available.
In recent years we have seen more and more examples of how climate change is causing problems. Cities are being forced to take a more critical look at their own buildings, green spaces and water systems in order to be more resilient to future problems and better protect residents from the effects.
A control scenario defines for a city or area what should happen where, for example in case of an incident, event or work in progress. Digitizing these scenarios creates opportunities to better manage the quality of life in the city. For example, with the help of data and connectivity it will be possible to introduce dynamic environmental zones, whereby access is determined on the basis of the current air quality.
In the city, people and goods want to be able to move around as smartly, sustainably and efficiently as possible. This starts with the choice of locations and layout: by organizing proximity and mixing functions such as living, working and recreation, the need to move is reduced. And if we do have to, or want to, relocate, then it should be as smart and sustainable as possible. With optimal use of existing infrastructure and means of transport: after all, they have already been paid for. And with the use of game changers like the E-bike and shared cars. But according to the needs of the individual, independent of time and place. In a way that keeps the city liveable, healthy, attractive and inclusive.
Mobility had to be cleaner, smarter and safer. An important part of this is the stimulation of electric transport, not only for consumers, but also for shippers and carriers in the logistics sector and public transport, for example.
Increasingly, road authorities such as Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management), provinces and municipalities, but also Schiphol Airport, are using drones to inspect infrastructure. In locations where it was previously difficult or even dangerous to inspect, drones offer a solution. This relatively new form of mobility also creates new opportunities and additional traffic flows in the air. For example, drones are also used to deliver medication to hard-to-reach places. The first experiences with package delivery are being gained in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Aviation accounts for about three percent of global CO2 emissions. To meet the climate goals, that percentage must go down. Four regional airports have joined forces to gain experience in electric flying. The knowledge is being used for research into scheduled flights with electric aircraft within Europe, in order to connect regions with each other. The first electric passenger flights between airports in the Netherlands are expected to take place within five years.
Automatic cars can greatly improve accessibility and livability in the city. For example, space can be saved because the cars can park more accurately. Automatic shuttles can provide a transport solution for people who are now restricted in their movement because of their age or a disability. Traffic jams will be reduced because smart cars can drive closer together. Traffic will become a lot safer because self-driving cars will automatically obey traffic rules. But it's not that far yet: the vehicles need to be tested extensively and the roads need to be read out for cameras. After all, safety is paramount. Until then, there are all kinds of tools available that bring the practice of automatic transport a step closer.