Coordination between spatial and mobility policies is regarded as very important. However, in policy making the link between these two is weak. Administrative compartmentalization, the absence of a clear problem owner resulting in fragmented coordination and the different nature of both types of projects cause this deficit. This is regrettable, because a connection between these policy fields is valuable. Coordination should be achieved on the regional level, where the different actors with their region-specific problems meet. Only on the small(er) scales customization is possible. A shared consciousness and a feeling of involvement are prerequisites for regional cooperation. Municipalities and provinces are the logical area authorities at the regional level, because they are democratically legitimised. Of great importance is the bias of all the parties towards the area or the corridor, in order to coordinate spatial and mobility planning. Proactive participation in regional alliances demands a sufficient degree of financial autonomy for the provinces and municipalities, such that regions can compete or cooperate with each other, and form coalitions with private parties. Subsequently, the investment streams can merge on the regional level. Only then the naturally strong link can emerge and find its way into policy. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD E206647.
Abstract