The Guardian newspaper recently profiled city-to-city knowledge-sharing in action, by looking at how ICLEI Member Ghent (Belgium) inspired ICLEI Member Birmingham (United Kingdom).

In 2017, the City of Ghent released a mobility plan that works with city zones. In particular, the city is divided into about six zones, and drivers cannot drive directly between zones. Rather, drivers must leave a zone, and use a peripheral "ring road" to cross from one to another.

This plan worked to address one of the city's key congestion challenges. Namely, much of the traffic in Ghent was due to residents using cars for short journeys that could be taken by foot or by bicycle.

The results of the mobility plan have been positive across the board. Since the new plan went into place, there has been a reduction in car use such that motor vehicles went from making up 55 percent of trips in Ghent, to accounting for only 27 percent. This is complemented by a 60 percent increase in cycling, a 20 percent drop in nitrogen oxide (an indicator of clearner air quality), and quieter streets.

There is a common fear that limiting car access will negatively impact local businesses. That has not, however, been the case in Ghent, where the number of new restaurants and bars opening has increased, and the number of empty shops has slowed.

What's more, the economic benefits of this mobility plan extend to the cost of the plan itself. Ghent's plan cost only €4 million to implement, while building just 1 kilometer of motorway costs €12.5 to 19 million.

Birmingham faces similar mobility challenges to Ghent. There, 25 percent of car journey are 1.5 kilometers or less, indicating that there is potential to change behaviour such that shorter journeys are no longer made by car. This shift will become increasingly critical moving forward, as Birmingham's population is expected to continue rising, leading to additional daily trips.

Inspired by Ghent, Birmingham is addressing this challenge by removing incentives to driving. City officials plan to split the city into zones, using Ghent's "ring road" method. This will make pedestrian and public transportation trips in the city centre simple and more pleasant.

The city is also encouraging the removal of parking spaces, and building new homes on former parking lots. Furthermore, Birmingham is prioritising public transportation and cycling infrastructure on streets. And, speed limits will decrease across all local roads.

Birmingham's plans are entering a phase of public consultation. With input of local residents and inspiration from peers, the city will move forward with ambitious plans for a car-free future.

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