Leasedrive , has published a new white paper entitled ‘The future of urban mobility. An overview of current global initiatives and future technologies to help meet the challenges of urban mobility.’

Commercial director, Roddy Graham said: “With the world’s population forecast to grow from seven billion to ten billion by the end of the century, more than half of the world’s population now living in towns and cities and the number of cars expected to double to over two billion in the next few decades, the implications for urban mobility at a macro and micro economic level are all too clear. Add to the mix the drive to lower CO2 emissions in the face of climate change, dwindling natural resources, the implications on how we move about in the future are all too clear. Increasing urbanisation presents enormous challenges but also huge opportunities in terms of economic development and technological innovation.

“As a thought leader within the fleet industry, we consider it vital to consider the future of urban mobility, hence the publication of this white paper. While we have taken a broad approach to the whole challenge we face, we have not ignored recent technological advances. Technology has a key role in changing not just what we drive, but the way we drive, and how and when we use our vehicles. The truly ‘connected car’ is now upon us, with real time information allowing us to plan and execute our journeys more safely, efficiently and effectively. And current tests are pointing the way to a future of self-driving, autonomous vehicles negotiating us through urban centres.

“However, without doubt, urban mobility is one of the greatest challenges society faces and we must meet this challenge head-on by modifying our values, our behaviours and our lifestyles for the good of society as a whole. If that means renting rather than buying, cycling rather than driving, more rail networks and less road networks, mega city hubs with satellite ‘village’ hubs, less ‘real’ world and more ‘virtual’ world, reduced travelling and more self-containment so be it. One thing’s for sure, the way we lead our lives in fifty years’ time will be light years from how we conduct ourselves today. Just look at the pace of change today.”

The 18-page white paper sets out the background and looks at the urban mobility challenges that lie ahead including the emergence of new mega cities, the development of urban areas, the absolute need for integration, the role of personal mobility and the contribution of IT.

It considers the transport and urban planning lessons to be learned outside Europe, within Continental Europe and within the UK. Selected current vehicle manufacturer initiatives are highlighted, together with those being worked on for the future. New transport concepts are also highlighted.

Click here to read the full white paper