Local Government and Sustainable Urban Mobility

This research study focuses on the impact of local government autonomy on sustainable urban mobility transitions based on comparative case studies. The empirical analysis currently includes two cities, Limerick (Ireland) and Umeå (Sweden). It analyses the influence of local government autonomy and policy preferences on local sustainable urban mobility policies. Sustainable urban mobility is highlighted as an overarching goal in several international policy agendas with its interlinked environmental, social, and economic dimensions. It includes spatial challenges such as integration of land use and transport planning to address a range of urban problems including greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, urban sprawl, and accessibility. The objectives of sustainable urban mobility are related to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ‘Climate Action-SDG13’, ‘Good Health and Well-being-SDG3', and ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities-SD11'. Cities are acknowledged as key actors in multilevel governance of climate change policies. Local climate action is crucial for accelerated implementation of sustainable urban mobility policies at a level closer to the citizens; however, local governments have capacity restraints despite their important role in urban planning. Local autonomy, which indicates extensive political, administrative, and fiscal competences obtained by municipalities can promote ambitious sustainable urban mobility policies in line with local needs. In addition to local autonomy, the study examines the mediating role of higher and local level policy preferences on local sustainable urban mobility policies.