Today’s dependence on the automobile has generated a series of problems that affect both the environment and people’s quality of life, such as recurrent traffic congestion and accidents, as well as air pollution. In this context, sustainable mobility offers solutions that reduce the negative effects of the excessive use of private vehicles, promoting the implementation of new intelligent technologies and improving public transportation in the locality, among other strategies.
The effects of car dependence
Having your own car gives you a freedom and comfort of movement to which it is easy to get used to, however, this dependence brings with it consequences that are even more noticeable in big cities:
Environmental pollution
Cars using internal combustion engines are one of the main sources of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, that contribute to climate change, as well as emitting nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter that affect urban air quality.
2. Traffic congestion
The number of vehicles continues to grow year after year and, in areas with larger populations, causes major traffic jams on highways or city center streets. More time is spent in the car, which is not very productive, and more fuel is spent than necessary.
3. Health problems
Spending many hours in the car encourages a sedentary lifestyle that can have an impact on people’s overall health, just as air pollution caused by cars can harm the respiratory health of citizens and visitors.
4. Limited accessibility
People who travel by private vehicle to city centers often lose a lot of time in traffic jams and encounter a lack of available parking spaces. It is more difficult to get to work, school or basic services on time.
Sustainable mobility as a solution
More and more cities are implementing sustainable mobility strategies in their urban planning proposals. With well-planned infrastructures that meet the real needs of the population and the promotion of transportation alternatives, it is possible to minimize the problems caused by the excess of private vehicles on the streets.
Cities with safe and accessible public transport find it much easier for people to use it over alternatives such as the personal automobile. It is advisable for the public transport network to reach both urban and suburban areas, and for services to be frequent and punctual so that people do not have to wait for long periods of time.
In addition, encouraging active mobility with the creation of bike lanes and pedestrian zones arranged in safe and well-connected urban environments allows people who do not need to travel long distances to choose between walking or cycling instead of using the car. This helps reduce traffic, improves air quality and promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle.
While effective in mitigating the negative effects associated with car dependency, implementing these measures can take time, substantial investment and, in many cases, major modifications to urban infrastructure. However, there are technological alternatives that offer short-term results and are scalable, such as smart parking systems.
Park&Ride
Advanced technologies for parking management
There are many advanced technologies that make it easier to manage the available parking spaces in cities, and they are often an alternative with which to achieve results in the short term. They are very useful in areas close to offices, shopping malls, universities or other educational centers, where the demand for spaces is usually constant.
Intelligent guidance systems
For example, with the implementation of autonomous sensors at ground level that recognize whether a space is occupied, or combined detection systems for more complex spaces, efficient urban parking management is much easier. Intelligent guidance systems are able to lead drivers to free spaces through intuitive mobile applications or strategically placed information boards that collect this information. Thanks to the real-time data they provide, users will avoid making more turns than necessary in search of parking, reducing both on-street traffic and the emission of polluting gases from automobile traffic.
Intelligent control systems
On the other hand, intelligent control systems make it possible to analyze and better understand the real needs of the population, from detecting traffic patterns and peak demand times, to identifying which reserved spaces may be more useful in a specific area, such as electric vehicles, loading and unloading, or people with reduced mobility, among others.
Park&Ride Strategy
Another solution is to provide well-connected Park&Ride areas. Drivers can park on the outskirts of the city and then reach the city center using public transport or active mobility alternatives, such as cycling or walking. This strategy is particularly useful for out-of-town commuters, helping to decongest the urban core while partially reducing car dependency.
To reduce excessive car use in city centers and its adverse effects, it is key to implement sustainable mobility strategies, such as improving public transportation, encouraging the use of bicycles or walking, and taking advantage of advanced technologies such as intelligent parking systems. Individually or combined, these actions make moving around the city easier and safer. At Urbiotica, we have intelligent parking guidance and control systems to provide a short-term solution to many of these problems, creating cleaner, more comfortable and accessible cities for citizens and visitors alike.
