History, regulations and objectives of Mobility Management
Mobility is an increasingly crucial issue for both the public and private sectors, and the concept of mobility management has emerged as a key response to the challenges of home-work-home travel. At the center of this innovative approach is the mobility manager, a figure tasked with implementing targeted initiatives to promote sustainable mobility from an environmental, economic, and social perspective, and to drive positive change in employees’ attitudes and habits.
An Innovative Regulatory Framework
Italy has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainable mobility with Decree Law No. 34 of May 19, 2020, known as the “Relaunch Decree”. This decree, converted into Law No. 77 of July 17, 2020, introduces measures aimed at incentivizing sustainable mobility. In particular, paragraph 4 of Article 229 requires companies and public administrations with more than 100 employees in certain areas to adopt a home-work travel plan by December 31 of each year. This plan aims to reduce the use of private individual transport, and the mobility manager is called upon to play a key role in this process.
Objectives and Impacts
The main goal of this regulation is clear: to structurally and permanently reduce the environmental impact caused by vehicular traffic in urban and metropolitan areas. This involves promoting interventions to organize and manage mobility demand that reduce the use of private motorized vehicles for home-work travel, contributing to the decongestion of vehicular traffic.
The Role of the Mobility Manager and the Implementing Decree
The Interministerial Decree No. 179 of May 12, 2021, signed by the Minister for Ecological Transition and the Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility, was the next step in implementing this regulation. This decree defines the roles, functions, and requirements of company and area mobility managers, clearly establishing the contents, purposes, and methods for adopting and updating the “Home-Work Travel Plan – PSCL”.
This decree marked a crucial moment in organically regulating the issue of employee mobility in more complex companies. In particular, it emphasized the necessary collaboration between companies, their respective mobility managers, and the relevant Municipality. The coordination of initiatives proposed by the area mobility manager was highlighted as a key element for the success of these sustainable mobility initiatives.
Conclusions
In conclusion, mobility management is a necessary response to the challenges of modern mobility, placing Italy at the forefront in promoting sustainable solutions. The implementation of these plans not only reduces the environmental impact of vehicular traffic but also fosters greater economic and social efficiency. The role of the mobility manager, with its key responsibilities, stands as the main driver of this sustainable revolution in Italian companies.
Paolo Barbato is the CEO and co-founder of Wiseair, a company that specializes in data-driven decision making solutions for sustainable mobility and air quality management.