SUMP: Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan

Solution

With the European Green Deal, the EU strives to be a frontrunner in tackling global climate challenges. From 31 December 2027, 431 cities and regions on the European transport network (TEN-T) will be required to develop a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) - a strategic plan to improve sustainable mobility. Developing a SUMP is a complex process that takes time, requires technical expertise, and above all must reflect the local situation. As the Dutch market leader in mobility planning and traffic modelling and trusted key expert in the SUMP training for European cities, we help cities to design and implement SUMP’s that deliver measurable results.

The importance of international collaboration for SUMPs

One of the key objectives of a SUMP is to achieve a clear, integrated approach to urban mobility issues in accordance with EU legislation. A SUMP supports multiple policy goals: reducing emissions, improving road safety, strengthening accessibility, and enhancing quality of life. Achieving this requires a wide range of expertise – from urban and mobility planning to climate policy and logistics. Participation, monitoring, and evaluation are essential throughout the process. Knowledge of the local context and how to acquire or utilise EU funding to carry out projects once a SUMP is in place, are also key. That is why international collaboration is so important. At Goudappel, we work with a strong network of international partners to reinforce our 60+ years of experience with local expertise.

As trusted key expert in the SUMP training of European cities, we assist our partners at every stage of the SUMP-process, offering independent advice and integrated solutions tailored to your city or region.

How Goudappel supports your SUMP

Preparation: analysing the existing situation

The first SUMP-stage involves identifying challenges and opportunities. Under the EU's SUMP guidelines, study areas are defined as Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) rather than being located precisely within municipal boundaries. The boundaries of an FUA are defined by the catchment area of daily flows of goods and people. We can help you manage this phase of the project.

Knowing the local situation is a precondition for establishing what data is available. We can analyse the data and identify trends and developments and help gather input from local residents and stakeholders. To allow for language and cultural differences, direct interaction with residents and stakeholders should preferably be organised by a local expert.
Developing a strategy and vision
With years of experience in preparing mobility plans, we are perfectly positioned to help you define:
- the SUMP's overall ambition
- the objectives to be achieved (by encouraging cycling for example)
- indicators to make the agreed objectives measurable (UMIs: Urban Mobility Indicators)
We can provide significant input by drawing up integrated scenarios to achieve these objectives, including recommending changes to the existing traffic and transport system where necessary. Our key strength is the integrated way we approach all transport modes and encompass all factors impacting those modes. We also offer tools and modelling software such as OmniTRANS Powered by Bentley OpenPaths to quantify these modes.
Setting up an implementation programme

We have a wealth of experience in setting up implementation programmes, such as a longlist of measures to achieve the agreed objectives. We can advise you on the most promising measures, considering the project's funding, partners, and timeline.
Implementation and monitoring

Once the measures outlined in the SUMP have been put in place, we can help set up a monitoring cycle to identify and visualise their impact, including what indicators to use. For examining available data sources in an international context, we suggest using a local expert.

Integrating logistics into your SUMP

Logistics should be an integral part of a SUMP from the outset. This means considering freight and goods movements throughout the process: from data collection and analysis to scenarios, measures and long-term monitoring. Measures may include logistics hubs, multimodal freight infrastructure and solutions for more sustainable last-mile deliveries. As much of the relevant knowledge and data sits with logistics operators, involving them early in the process is essential.

At Goudappel, we have in-house logistics experts who can advise you throughout the SUMP process. Where additional expertise is needed, we can also draw on our international network of partners specialising in logistics and policy.

Financial support 

Some EU countries offer funding for drafting a SUMP. Municipalities with a SUMP may also be eligible for European funding for the implementation of mobility related projects. At Goudappel, we are in touch with organisations that specialise in these opportunities.

Why we are the right partner for you when developing a SUMP

Proven experience: The Netherlands has a long tradition of urban planning and integrated mobility planning. Over the past 60 years, Goudappel has contributed significantly to mobility in the Netherlands. As leading consultants in the Dutch mobility market, we have delivered more than 40 mobility plans and visions over the past five years. Our mobility expertise is also highly appreciated outside the Netherlands – with several international mobility plans being put in place in Flanders, Germany and Turkey for example.
International reach: we work together with a strong international network of local partners. The Dutch expertise we bring to international projects provides a fresh perspective, while the local expertise of our partners ensures advice that works in practice.
In-house international experts: Our 300+ staff includes more than 20 international experts. They are not only comfortable working in an international setting but, coming from a variety of countries, also bringing a wealth of language skills.
Flexibility: as part of an international network, we are used to taking on a variety of roles. Sometimes we provide technical expertise (e.g. on cycling), while at other times we prepare full implementation programmes. Whatever the request, we are flexible and happy to collaborate with other consultants.
SUMP expert: Our sustainable mobility expertise covers all fields and disciplines involved in a SUMP project. We are currently engaged in an EU project focusing on SUMP training and capacity building. This means we are fully familiar with SUMP guidelines and requirements, and know how to translate these into practical indicators.
Knowledge of the process: beyond our technical expertise, we understand the full and monitoring requirements. Our knowledge of what is needed to successfully implement a SUMP is unrivalled.