„Transport Concepts of the Future – Need for Reform and Solutions for a Right of Urban Mobility“

How can Germany design the so-called “Verkehrswende” , which reduces air pollution, noise, congestion, while at the same time meeting everyone's daily mobility needs? These and similar questions scientists, politicians and economists tried to answer at the founding conference of the Association for Infrastructure Law. The discussion illustrated future transport concepts, the need for a reform and suggested solutions for a right to urban mobility. Today's citiesmobility is oftennon-existent: cars are stuck in traffic jams, yet one fails to find any parking spaces within an appropriate time. If current trends continue, thiswill not change in the near future. The numbers of commuters in cities raises rapidly and there is an increase in freight traffic. Thedevelopment of sustainableurbantransport systems requires the interplay of a wide range of measures in the areas of infrastructure, public transport, traffic regulation and management as well as urban development. Besides, mobility in Germany has other problems: the transport sector has so far not contributed to climate protection. This is one reason why Germany is unlikely tomeet the climate objectives set by the Paris Agreement. At least it will be difficult if policymakers do not fundamentally change their direction.

Autorin: Sandra Gerdes, LL.M., Attorney at Law (N.Y.)