Measures at the regional level in the field of urban and metropolitan mobility in spain during the 2004-2011 period. A review from the multi-level governance perspective

Abstract

Objective

Based on the consolidation of urban mobility issue over the last decade on the agenda at all levels of government, the division of competences in mobility among them, and the key role to be played by the Autonomous Regions as a government intermediate level in this and other policy areas, this paper aims to identify the Sustainable Urban Mobility policies developed by the regional level throughout the period 2004-2011 and to characterize them from the perspective of multi-level governance. The article falls within the conceptual framework of the Sustainable Urban Mobility, which has deepened in the research project in which it is framed.

Methodology

To achieve the objective has been made ​​a review of the action taken by the Autonomous Regions in different policy fields from which its impact on the mobility of their own cities have been more relevant. After identifying these areas, it has been deepened in them through the review of plans, guidelines, strategies and other institutional documents already approved or in the development process. It has also been reviewed scientific literature and gray literature. The focus has been on detecting collaborative instruments to lead to collaboration among different levels of government. Once detected the main policy instruments have been characterized from the perspective of multi-level governance.

Conclusions

The work carried out has identified a trend towards greater regional collaboration with the local level throughout the period, while it is not observed the same interest in creating tools for collaboration with the Central Government on this issue. The conclusions that are reached emphasize the need to move towards greater inter-agency collaboration in this area throughout the country to lead to more sustainable, consistent and effective urban and metropolitan mobility policies.

Originality

A review of urban mobility policies (including those relating to metropolitan mobility) developed by the Autonomous Regions had not been addressed so far in the Spanish context from the perspective proposed by this paper. The same is proposed as a contribution to reflection and debate on the subject addressed, being aimed at policy makers, other institutional actors, to academia and to all those interested in this field of activity.