Place-based sustainable urban mobility: a conceptual framework to spark local designs

Sustainable urban mobility transitions take into account the transportation needs of users and utilities, locality, regional development, and social inclusiveness. This research investigates this complexity and details the planning pillars of ‘avoid, shift, improve’ in a conceptual framework with place-based considerations and prioritisations. Three UK cities provide empirical examples – Durham, Nottingham and London – to illustrate local priorities, governance and investment requirements, under the three inseparable planning pillars. Lessons from these case studies demonstrate the need for strong and aligned collaboration between public and private stakeholders, promoting urban mobility alternatives, infrastructure improvements and covering investment costs.