Transport policy
- Transport policy objectives
- Transport policy in the Government Programme
- Transport Policy Report
- Transport policy and the European Union
1. Transport policy objectives
The mission of transport policy is to provide people with opportunities for safe and smooth everyday travel, to maintain the competitiveness of businesses and to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions.
Finland's location far from the main transport and logistic arteries of central Europe poses major challenges to transport policy. The needs and viewpoints of a range of groups must be taken into account in the development of the transport system. Efficient and smooth public transport services support the attainment of transport policy objectives. The Ministry strives to promote traffic safety and the efficiency of the transport system through a variety of different measures, including intelligent transport services.
2. Transport policy in the Government Programme
The Government Programme highlights the importance of a smoothly-functioning transport system and its development, along with measures to reduce transport-related emissions and promote sustainable development. Transport policy is seen as part of a larger whole comprising businesses, the economy, employment and regional development. Efforts are made to ensure smooth everyday travel by promoting commuter traffic, improving public transport and increasing traffic safety.
3. Transport Policy Report
With the aim of ensuring long-term development, the Government has prepared a report on transport policy (2012) which sets out Finland's transport policy lines for 2012-2022. Transport policy planning should be incorporated in the development of society at large. Close cooperation between different administrative branches lays down a solid foundation for a smoothly functioning transport system and an efficient urban structure. Fresh thinking is required in order to improve the efficiency of society's functions and to take advantage of the common resources in a smart way.
4. Transport policy and the European Union
International treaties, conventions and European Union decisions have a significant influence on logistics, shipping and heavy-goods transport, in particular. The Minister of Transport represents Finland at the meetings of the European Union Transport Council.