1. Land Use and Transport Planning
2. Optimal use of Space
3. Fiscal Measures
4. Generators of Demand (Movement of People)
5. Generators of Demand (Movement of Goods)
6. Captive Car Users
Dublin City Council, in collaboration with our Senator partners – An Post and University College Dublin, is piloting several initiatives to address urban transportation challenges in Senator’s Dublin Living Lab. This includes looking into the ways to better manage the kerbs in Dublin City Centre which is an extremely contested space. With so many demands on our kerb space from outdoor dining, parking, deliveries, and micro-mobility (scooters and bikes) to buses and taxis, it is tough to manage this effectively and efficiently. Striking a balance for access to this space is also a challenge. It’s not a surprise then that we call this project ‘Kicking Chaos from Kerb’ project and it is having some positive influence on the national strategy.
Kerbside Management is in the “Local Authority Climate Action” section of the draft strategy. And advocates for aligning transportation with land use and prioritising more sustainable use of kerbside through more effective digital mapping and categorisation of its use Having this data can support better demand management initiatives. A key recommendation in the strategy focuses on ‘Developing Sustainable Freight Distribution Strategies for 5 Cities’. It proposes building on the outputs of the Senator Project under local measures. The report mentions asset sharing and digital freight platforms which are key goals of the Senator project which aims to also create consolidation centres for deliveries while delivering better management and prioritisation of kerbsides.
Moving Together Strategy
The Moving Together Strategy is a framework identified by the Department of Transport. It shows the many options available at national, regional, and local levels. These options enhance efficiency in the transportation system. The Strategy aims to guide and support both public and private entities. They will work together to develop actions based on evidence.
Also, there is a strong emphasis on engaging local communities. This is to ensure customized plans that address their needs and preferences.
The framework provides the policy direction needed at a national level to meet the objectives. It also identifies the options that all levels could use. There are 35 recommendations in the strategy which are further supported by an implementation Plan.
Senator’s Impact on Guidance and Advice Proposals
Senator made its impact on the draft strategy specifically in two key areas: Generators of Demand (Movement of Goods) and improving public space use. Retail and freight transportation are crucial factors in this equation. The main lessons for implementation focused on planning for smart loading bay solutions and on comprehensive kerbside management strategies. Both are key to the Senator Project.
The draft strategy acknowledges the critical role of kerbside management in urban transportation. It sees it as a space for many activities, like parking, loading, and public transport stops. Also, for pedestrian facilities and cycling infrastructure. It proposes ways to optimise kerbside space use which can help to reduce congestion and ultimately improve well-being.
It is worth noting that the kerbside management project is also one of the 35 projects that have been selected nationally under the ‘Pathfinder Programme’. This programme forms a key part of implementing the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which sets out the government’s plans to meet Ireland’s requirement to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 in the transport sector. Find out more information on the Pathfinder Programme.
“We are delighted that our pioneering work around Digital Kerbside Management in Dublin, delivered through the EU-funded H2020 Project, Senator, has been recognised on a national level as a part of the Moving Together Strategy by the Department of Transport. Having access to better kerbside data and how this space is being used is essential to managing it more efficiently. This could potentially reduce congestion and deliver more sustainable outcomes for the city. We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of the public consultation.” – Jamie Cudden, Smart City Programme Manager.
For more information: New Government Strategy to Manage and Reduce Congestion (www.gov.ie)