Urban sprawl in Italy. The effects on the environment and the role of smart mobility

Abstract

The study explores "Urban sprawl in Italy. The effects on the environment and the role of smart mobility”, reconstructing the problem and the main evidence developed in the text. On the other hand, in the short term, it is concretely possible to implement measures to contain the environmental impacts rather burdensome of urban sprawl, produced, as first pointed out, by the dependence of the population on the private car. Among the smart mobility measures mentioned, Carsharing and Carpooling allow to reduce the number of circulating cars, providing direct benefits in terms of reducing pollution and congestion. It is therefore hoped for a wider implementation of Carsharing and Carpooling, which can be favored by web platforms and smartphone applications that make access to the service accessible and instantaneous. The Bikesharing, even more sustainable for the environment, to become an effective modal alternative to private transport, requires a capillary and strategic diffusion of the network on the urban territory. The Bikesharing system in Paris is a best practice at European level, from which to draw important ideas to design and improve the system of Italian cities.

Keywords

urban economy; environment; Italy; Local authorities; Public transport; Europe

JEL codes

R58; Q56; R11