It is generally considered that using ICT systems may enable a more sustainable mobility through better utilisation of motorways, a reduction of the number of accidents, and a decrease of congestion. In the long run it may even result in a decrease in mobility needs. The central questions of this paper are: 'To what extent will using ICT systems in traffic and transport enable a more sustainable mobility and in which way will these systems seduce people into adapting their mobility behaviour? Does stimulating this kind of systems really make sense?' More sustainable mobility is defined as mobility which leads to reduced emissions, a decrease of energy consumption, less noise, and lower traffic congestion in the Netherlands. Past research (TNO-STB, 2001) has identified 45 potentially successful ICT systems that may lead to a change of economic functions and negative effects on the environment, housing and spatial planning. Based on this report and other national and international research in the field of ICT policy and effects of ICT, we have identified eight ICT fields of interest. Four ICT systems have been selected for further research, which included building a model to estimate the potential effects on sustainable mobility. Three of these will be amplified in this paper. These are sophisticated road pricing (a variable per kilometre charge), teleworking, and vehicle information systems (in-car information provision). The fourth system selected, local collection and distribution facilities for freight, appeared to be too fuzzy to elaborate in a similar way. The systems have been selected on their potential effects on sustainable mobility and the availability of relevant data. For these systems, the direct and (through a change in attitude) indirect effects on mobility have been estimated. The results offer ingredients for policy making to make mobility more sustainable or to reduce mobility. (Author/publisher)
Abstract