EP offer suggestions to improve urban environment 02-10-2006 The European Parliament (EP) adopted an own-initiative report adopted on 26
September. The report called for complementary measures to improve the urban
environment in towns heavily impacted by pollution. One of the suggestions
offered is to give priority to funding projects that include a minimum of green
areas and that promote public transport and cycling.
The report, by Gyula Hegyi (PES, HU), was adopted by 448 votes in favour, 49
against and 110 abstentions. It is based on the European Commission's
Communication on a thematic strategy for sustainable urban development.
The report urges more use of environment-friendly modes of transport and
technologies, such as biofuels and hybrid car technologies. The MEPs call on
member states to give priority to funding projects to implement “sustainable
urban management and transport plans” and to work in cooperation with local
authorities to convert at least 5% of the total passenger kilometres in city
centres to sustainable transport methods, such as public transportation and
cycling, within the period 2002-2012.
Following the adoption of an amendment suggested by the Socialist MEPs, the
report proposes that EU funding be allocated to member states to allow them to
renovate buildings and suburbs. Another amendment adopted, following a proposal
by the EPP Group, suggests that the Commission, in conjunction with local
authorities, should encourage urban areas with over 100,000 inhabitants to
implement sustainable urban management plans' (SUMP) and sustainable urban
transport plans' (SUTP).
Member states are also encouraged to consider the most vulnerable users when
making improvement to cities, for example by reducing maximum road speeds with
the aim of reducing the number of deaths caused by road accidents by 50% by
2012, as provided for in the White Paper on the European transport policy.
The MEPs also maintained that any planning of urban reorganisation,
developing green areas and urban construction projects should provide for large
natural areas in order to bring citizens closer to nature. Urban programmes
should also include a study of urban climates in order to prepare for the lack
of air suffered during very hot periods in summer. And, finally, the report
recommended that old water pipes and drainage systems be restored and that
biodegradable waste be converted into compost, rather than being incinerated
causing more local pollution.
Source: European Information Service LinksRead the European Parliament’s press release back |
