The term ‘smarter moving cities’ has been circulating for a while now but, while we in the world of travel behaviour change can comprehend its meaning, what does your average city-dweller think a ‘smarter moving’ city is?

To help answer this, it’s important to start by understanding what people really want from their cities, or in other words, what they think makes a city ‘smart’.

Almost every week there’s a news item related to electric or low emission vehicles, including many new car launches. Yet sales of electric vehicles are increasing at a sluggish rate and some way off what is required to achieve the automotive industry’s vision. So what is the latest future for electric and hybrid cars?

Today we have more data than ever before, and one aspect of this data revolution is road congestion data. One powerful source of such data is from TomTom and in this article we aim to provide some insights into how this (and similar sources) can be used by transport professionals, as well as how we are looking to exploit it.

Around a year ago (November 2011) we ran a survey comparing three visions for the future of Electric Vehicles and asking transport professionals to say which they thought would be the most likely to come about. We’re now re-running this survey to see how views have changed and would like to invite you to participate: all you need to do is read the three visions and vote for one of them. Then, if you like, you can also put forward your own vision.

Local Authorities, through LSTF or other funding sources have clear objectives to encourage more sustainable travel and promote economic growth. Plans to increase walking and cycling levels are commonplace and initiatives and schemes well developed. Similarly there is a history of promotions and incentives to encourage a shift from single occupancy car travel to public transport, particularly for commuter trips.

It is important to recognize that for some trips, car travel will remain the most efficient mode.