Earlier this week the government published its Future of mobility: urban strategy. The full report is available on the gov.uk website here.

The report, which was referenced in the Spring Budget last week, sets out the governments approach to develop benefits of new urban mobility technology.

Within the report, the UK government has stated that radical new technologies are emerging that within a generation will transform every day journeys. Therefore, the future of mobility has to be at the heart of the governments modern Industrial Strategy and will support the industry to use their creativity to solve transport challenges.

Jennifer Davis, Sales Director at KINTO said “Commitment from the Government to ensure the UK remains a front runner in the future of mobility is a fantastic step. For our industry and customers, these technological changes will impact fleets dramatically, transforming the way people and goods move and connect in coming years.”

The report also confirms the next steps the government is planning to take which includes the implementation of a flexible regulatory framework, mobility as a service (MaaS), transport data and modernising public transport legislation. As well as setting out the key principles to achieve innovation in urban mobility:

1. New modes of transport and new mobility services must be safe and secure by design
2. The benefits of innovation in mobility must be available to all parts of the UK and all segments of society
3. Walking, cycling and active travel must remain the best options for short urban journeys
4. Mass transit must remain fundamental to an efficient transport system
5. New mobility services must lead the transition to zero emissions
6. Mobility innovation must help to reduce congestion through more efficient use of limited road space, for example through sharing rides, increasing occupancy or consolidating freight
7. The marketplace for mobility must be open to stimulate innovation and give the best deal to consumers
8. New mobility services must be designed to operate as part of an integrated transport system combining public, private and multiple modes for transport users
9. Data from new mobility services must be shared where appropriate to improve choice and the operation of the transport system

Alongside the report, a competition has also been launched, that could see up to four new ‘future mobility zones’. The competition will benefit from £90m public funding to test ideas to improve mobility across the UK, it is aimed at supporting trials of new mobility services.

The UK government has also published a response to the Last Mile call for evidence it conducted in summer and outlined next steps on the E-Cargo Bike Grant, as well stating it intends to publish a separate strategy for the future of mobility in rural areas.