Confusion and misinformation about the concept of 15 minute cities were partly responsible for a change in England’s transport policy.
A report in The Guardian newspaper has revealed that policy papers from the Department for Transport said that curbs on walking and cycling schemes were “in response to concerns about 15-minute cities.”
A 15 minute city concept is an urban planning tool where cities are designed so most human needs can be met within a 15 minute walk or cycle. Such schemes sometimes include plans for better cycling and walking infrastructure, and percentage targets for residents to have their basic daily “non-work” needs met close by.
Read more: GB: The 15 Minute City 'Conspiracy' That Shifted Transport Policy
While experts argue smart cities in the UK can bring great benefits, the necessary connectivity improvements may only arrive via a piecemeal approach
The phrase ‘smart city’ means many things to many people, but it’s been nearly 20 years since the term was first used by IBM and Cisco to recognize how connected sensors can be used to monitor urban issues. Smart cities in the UK were a hot topic just a few years ago, but in the time since progress has been divided between regions.
Sunderland, a city in the North East of England, is set to become one of the UK’s most advanced smart cities, thanks to a £3.8 million grant from the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The funding will be used to improve the city’s digital infrastructure and wireless technology, paving the way for enhanced port efficiency, transport connectivity, and agricultural automation.
One of the key areas of focus in Sunderland’s bid was the use of 5G technology to improve the city’s port operations. By leveraging wireless connectivity, the port can enhance efficiency, reduce fuel usage, and minimize environmental impact. The aim is to transition the port to an all-electric operation, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for maritime trade. Additionally, 5G technology will be utilized to create a connected transport intelligence system, optimizing road transport efficiency within the city and connecting strategically important locations such as Nissan and the Port of Tyne.
Micromobility provider Tier Mobility is adding 500 shared Westbike electric bikes to the UK city’s micromobility fleet with Westcargo bikes to follow shortly.
Micromobility provider Tier Mobility is rolling out 500 shared Westbike electric bikes in the UK city of Bristol.
It follows its deployment of more than 2,000 e-scooters earlier this year and plans to also add Westcargo bikes to the micromobility fleet shortly.
Read more: GB: South West England: Bristol expands micromobility fleet with 500 e-bikes
Survey by Capterra reveals that smart cities are evolving, but steps must be taken to foster trust from residents with data protection the biggest concern.
5G is the most widely available smart technology in the UK, identified by more than half of respondents (54 per cent) in a recent survey, followed by artificial intelligence (AI) (42 per cent) and the Internet of Things (IoT) (37 per cent).