New Dutch consortium to improve management of public space

Cities in the Netherlands, known for their wide-ranging active mobility options, have been struggling with the challenges of mobility and spatial planning. In response, a new consortium has been launched in the country, focusing on improving the governance of public space.

Dutch cities have been pushing for cleaner, safer and more inclusive mobility options in their urban centres, however, there has been pressure on the availability of space from growing populations and the demand for urban mobility. Amsterdam is predicted to grow by over a million people by 2030, and cities such as Almere and Groningen are experiencing increased mobility poverty and daily traffic congestion.

Therefore, the cities of Amsterdam, Almere and Groningen Bereikbaar have joined forces with private partners such as Vianova to form the DRO: Digital Governance of Public Space consortium.

Over the next five years and with a budget of over EUR 23 million, the consortium will work to develop digital solutions to more effectively use public space, where traditional mobility tools including conventional traffic lights and traffic controllers have fallen short. This could include reallocating unused parking space to other forms of mobility.

Improved communication with travellers will also be explored, to support more flexible choices that can alleviate daily traffic and improve the efficiency of travel.

Article first published by Future Transport-News on 31 January 2024.