Trendsetter shows the way to a better urban environment. Better communications, cleaner air and smarter traffic solutions.
That is the closing statement of Trendsetter – a four-year EU collaboration between five European cities which is concluded in January 2006.
“An important conclusion is that major improvements can be made to urban environments using simple solutions,” says Gustaf Landahl, co-ordinator for Trendsetter.
Collaboration works
It is now clear that the collaboration has been a very successful one. The evaluation of the 54 sub-projects shows that traffic problems can be solved using relatively small measures in the urban picture.
Emissions have fallen and urban environments have become safer and more flexible for pedestrians and drivers alike. “All cities involved in the project have considerably improved their environment, increased accessibility and reduced noise levels as a result of more rational transport solutions and improved mobility,” says Gustaf Landahl.
Project collaboration based on new ideas
One of the experiences gained through the project is that cities taking a large slice of the responsibility for future development represents an effective approach. “Another experience is that small, cheap projects can be very effective. An example of this is the improved traffic management achieved using integrated traffic lights in an intelligent system which was introduced at Kungsholmen in Stockholm.
Other good examples to follow for other European urban areas are: In Lille, train-bus-car co-ordination has been improved and timetables have been fine-tuned. In Graz, special “mobility centres” have been used to distribute information on alternative methods of travel. “In Prague and Pécs, strict traffic regulations are helping to protect the beautiful old city centres”, says Gustaf Landahl with a smile.
But he acknowledges that there are obstacles along the way. “Rules and regulations take a long time to introduce, often as a result of opposition at local and national level. Some of Trendsetter’s major infrastructure projects have also not been completed during the four-year period. However at an overall level we have had good experiences.
Message to other cities
The roots of the Trendsetter project lie in Stockholm. The city was the first to identify heavy vehicles as the major environmental villain in city centres. They account for just 8% of traffic yet are responsible for 50% of emissions. However, this is just one of the important experiences that it is hoped will be passed on to improve urban environments across Europe and around the world.
“Our final report from Trendsetter will be a late Christmas present for decision-makers within transport, communication and environment. The report will present many ideas for sustainable projects,” says Gustaf Landahl.
Further information: Gustaf Landahl, Stockholms Miljöförvaltning, +46(0)8 508 28 916 gustaf.landahl@miljo.stockholm.se
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