General Policies for Sustainable Transport

Sustainable transport’s foremost challenge lies in maintaining access to work places, education, social services and markets through appropriate infrastructures and mobility services, while minimising the negative impacts of motorised traffic. A balance between the needs of society, businesses and the environment is best achieved through comprehensive institutional planning and sound policies. This covers national regulations and plans like the Public Transport Regionalization Law and the National Cycling Plan; regional initiatives and approaches to planning; and local approaches, such as low emissions zones and parking policies).

Despite being a heavily motorised country, Germany has made drastic improvements in road safety, air quality and accessibility through comprehensive policy implementation. Cities and regions have become more interconnected and attractive—with world-class public transport and safe and convenient walking and cycling infrastructures—demonstrating the many benefits of sustainable policies.

The foremost challenge of sustainable transport policy lies in maintaining appropriate transport infrastructures and mobility services, while minimising the negative impacts of motorised traffic. A viable, lasting balance between the needs of society, businesses and the environment is best achieved through comprehensive institutional planning and sound policies. This covers national regulations and plans like the Public Transport Regionalization Law and the National Cycling Plan; regional initiatives and approaches to planning; and local approaches, such as low emissions zones and parking policies).

The latest innovation and research is put into practice through the close co-operation of government and the numerous specialised institutes, mobility associations and civic organisations.