This week is a European Mobility Week 2012 with this year's focus on 'Moving in the right direction'. There are many actions and activities organised throughout the EU that promote alternative modes of transport to citizens and encourage consumers to reduce private car use. The event's aim is to raise awareness of sustainable urban transport, leading to the reduction of the use of fossil fuels.
"In responding to the challenge to make our cities cleaner and safer, we have to find the right balance for our daily travel needs. We are all frustrated by traffic congestion, noise and pollution, and we know the risk of road accidents, but quite often our good intentions do not translate into sustainable mobility. This is why European Mobility Week supports the development of pedestrian areas and cycle infrastructure, the improvement of public transport, and brings together local communities. We call on towns and cities to join us in making the right choices for public transport, shared road space and smooth mobility for all" said Vice-President Siim Kallas. (European Mobility Week 2012 "Moving in the right direction")
The European Commissions announced a new public consultation on the urban dimension of the EU transport policy which will be open until 17 December 2012. The aim of the consultation is to examine how best to contribute on a EU level to high-quality and sustainable urban transport and mobility, so that a concrete proposal could be introduced by the European Commission next year. (Urban transport: time to move sustainably)