THE LOME DECLARATION

 

 

Lomé, November 15th 2002

 

URBAN MOBILITY FOR ALL is affirmed by the delegates of CODATU X gathered in Lomé, Togo, November 12th to 15th 2002

 

 

Therefore the following principles and actions are set forth:

 

PRINCIPLES:

 

• Great improvement to low income mobility is possible and desirable in cities of the developing world.
• Adequate transportation is required to provide improved access to employment opportunities and other social and cultural activities.
• Urban mobility is fundamental to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
• Improved urban mobility requires innovative and efficient investment programs and/or management.
• Financial sustainability should be pursued for urban transportation systems.
• Successful public transport requires institutional strength for the provider and clear rules for public and private participation.
• Successful programs require dialogue between transport professionals, political leadership and civil society.
• Taking into account non-motorized transport is an essential component of full transport policies.
• System integration is basic to successful mobility strategies.
• High capacity systems should be used on main urban corridors, giving priority to the most cost effective possible alternatives.
• Small scale transport services are often the most effective feeder systems in peripheral areas.
• The diversity of urban area types requires different solutions for different environments.
• Urban liveability and environmental health require that attention be paid to minimizing the adverse effects of transport.
• A safety culture in transport needs to be recognized through education, mass media and enforcement.
• Ensure access and mobility for the disadvantaged and passengers with special needs.
• Recognize the role of employment generation that the transport sector plays.
• Universal design standards are required to make transportation accessible.

ACTIONS:

 

General:

 

·        Create planning that focuses on satisfying demand, especially of the urban poor rather than on medium or long term land use based models.

·        Global inter-modal plans seeking the improvement of mobility will be performed (“PDU”)

·        Ensure cost reduction for the users and greatest flexibility to improve mobility and accessibility

·        Given that housing is the first priority of households in the developing world, flexible and small scale transport systems which adequately serve the periphery will be encouraged and legalized but also realistically regulated

·        Decentralized cooperation will be implemented and will not attempt to apply the models from the higher income countries to the developing world.

 

Public transport:

 

·        Give priority to buses in the traffic stream wherever possible and appropriate

·        Make social subsidized fares available when applicable.

·        Promote and require training and professionalization of the drivers of all types of motorized vehicles.

·        Make safety a prerequisite in legalizing public transport vehicles of all sizes.

 

 

Non motorized:

 

·        Encourage safe cycle ways and pedestrian facilities.

 

Road network and traffic:

 

·        A special effort will be sought to improve the secondary street network

·        Road design will emphasize safety

·        Enforce traffic laws more extensively.

 

Environment:

 

·        Emphasize environmental impacts or degradation in infrastructure building, design of vehicles and provision of services.