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Synopsis

The main objectives of the Municipality of Neufchâtel's transport policy are:

• to reduce traffic congestion in the town centre,
• to reduce emissions from motorised traffic,
• to reduce energy consumption,
• to improve the general quality of life.

Meeting these objectives will require:

• the development of transport networks that respect the urban fabric and the environment,
• improvements that make open spaces more attractive and the creation of a large and varied network of routes for pedestrians and cyclists,
• the organisation and the development of the potential of an effective public transport system.

The measures envisaged for sustainable travel that are associated with these objectives are:

• technical measures: clean vehicles, or vehicles that produce less pollution,
• planning measures: town planning can help to reduce private car use if it creates short journeys and if it favours public transport and non-motorised traffic (by combining high density, mixed activities and "polycentrality"),
• behaviour-related measures: three factors must be taken into account: the proportion of motorised travel, the public transport services available and available parking facilities.

The work-related journeys of local authority employees - the largest employer in the local authority with 2,016 employees including hospitals - were analysed. Measures were taken to encourage use of public transport and of slower forms of transport. The renewal of the authority's fleet of vehicles now takes environmental factors into account.

Target groups: municipal staff - all citizens
Fields: urban planning - integrated approach / urban transport plans

This case study is one of 175 projects from the Smile Project Local Experiences Database listed on this website.