The Potential Contribution of Land Use Policies Towards Sustainable Mobility through Activation of Travel Reduction Mechanisms

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which land use planning and the layout of the built environment may assist towards the objectives of sustainable mobility by influencing travel behaviour, in particular towards achieving travel reduction. The paper firstly discusses the different types of land use policy which may be used to assist with the objectives of sustainability and travel reduction, with reference to examples of implementation from Europe and elsewhere. It then places these in a framework distinguishing the nature of land use policies and the mechanisms activated in reducing travel or otherwise promoting sustainable mobility. The paper then goes on to explore in more detail the different mechanisms by which more sustainable travel patterns may be effected through land use considerations, noting how these mechanisms may be combined to amplify the potential scope for travel reduction. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of these explorations for land use policy and hence draws conclusions on the importance of the contribution of land use planning towards sustainable mobility.