UK Publishes Future of Mobility Urban Strategy Paper

The UK government has published its Future of Mobility: Urban Strategy paper, which defines its approach to working with innovators, companies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to develop new urban mobility technologies.

“The best transport technologies of the future will not just make journeys faster, they will also make them safer, easier, more comfortable and more affordable. They will make our towns and cities quieter and less polluted. And they will give us the option to see mobility as a service, integrated and accessible to all,” said Jesse Norman, minister of state for transport.

In the paper, the government outlines the benefits it wants mobility innovation to deliver, and the principles guiding the process, including:

  • new modes of transport and new mobility services must be safe and secure by design;
  • the benefits of innovation in mobility must be available to all parts of the UK and all segments of society;
  • walking, cycling, and active travel must remain the best options for short urban journeys;
  • mass transit must remain fundamental to an efficient transport system;
  • new mobility services must lead the transition to zero emissions;
  • mobility innovation must help to reduce congestion through more efficient use of limited road space;
  • the marketplace for mobility must be open to stimulate innovation and give the best deal to consumers;
  • new mobility services must be designed to operate as part of an integrated transport system combining public, private and multiple modes for transport users; and,
  • data from new mobility services must be shared where appropriate to improve choices and the operation of the transport system.

The report details the government’s next steps planned, including implementing a flexible regulatory framework that will focus on areas such as micro-mobility vehicle pilot projects, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), transport data, and modernizing bus, taxi, and private hire vehicles legislation.