K2 researchers have reviewed Region Skåne’s Transport Strategy
Region Skåne has drawn up a proposal for a new transport strategy, which has been out for consultation during the autumn. Among those who have reviewed the strategy are K2 researchers.
The Transport Strategy for Sustainable Accessibility throughout Skåne sets out the long-term direction for the development of Skåne’s transport system. The strategy will guide the region’s development work and serve as a reference for Skåne’s municipalities and other stakeholders. The overarching goal of the strategy is that everyone should be able to access work, education, culture and services in a sustainable way, regardless of where in Skåne they are located. Strategic sub-goals are an inclusive transport system, a robust transport system and a climate-neutral transport system.
The Transport System Should Be Seen as an Integrated Part of Spatial Planning
The researchers’ assessment is that the strategy has a clear ambition to create an inclusive, robust and climate-neutral transport system, but they point out that the transport system in the strategy is treated as an isolated technical infrastructure rather than as an integrated part of spatial planning. The researchers argue that this is problematic, as transport planning affects everything from housing construction and the labour market to inclusion and quality of life.
Furthermore, the researchers call for indicators for follow-up, a clear definition of sustainability, and greater clarity regarding, among other things, financing and allocation of responsibilities, and how ecological, economic and social dimensions should be balanced in practice.
Strong Assumption About Electrification
The needs of rural areas, leisure travel and how to ensure social sustainability, including for older people, are missing from the strategy, according to the researchers, who also criticise the strategy for being strongly based on the assumption of electrification without including any risk analysis in case technological development progresses more slowly than expected, and for not discussing alternative solutions or using planning models such as the 15-minute city, which could contribute to more sustainable communities.
An overarching comment was that the researchers found it unclear which groups the strategy is aimed at – whether it is primarily an internal steering document for Region Skåne or intended to serve as guidance for municipalities and the general public. This lack of clarity risks creating confusion about how the document should be interpreted and used, the researchers argue.
The comments received will now be processed before the strategy is finally adopted by the Regional Council in 2026.
Read the full consultation response and the draft transport strategy via the links below (In Swedish).
Transportstrategi remissversion april 2025 – utveckling.skane.se