Mobility Study: Planning that makes a difference

In recent years, the Mobility Study has gained importance in the licensing and urban planning processes in Portugal. Far from being just a technical document, it is an essential element to ensure that new constructions, developments, or urban transformations are compatible with the capacity of existing infrastructure and contribute to a more functional, accessible, and sustainable territory.

Traffic lane in a residential development

What is a Mobility Study?

A Mobility Study is a technical document that assesses the impact of an urban development project on the transportation and circulation system of a given area. Its purpose is to objectively determine whether the roads, access routes, and public transport can support the new occupation, anticipating potential issues and proposing effective solutions. In simple terms, it is a diagnostic and planning tool for accessibility—covering people, goods, and services—within an urban intervention context.

A Mobility Study ensures that cities grow in a balanced, safe, and sustainable way.

When is it required?

The requirement for a Mobility Study depends on the scale and impact of the urban project. It is usually mandatory:

• For large-scale urban development projects.

• For tourist, commercial, or residential projects with a strong impact on local traffic.

• Whenever the project alters the existing road structure or introduces new access routes.

• As determined by municipal urban planning and construction regulations (RMUE) or Municipal Master Plans (PDM).

Its requirement is comparable to other technical studies often needed for licensing, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment or Noise Study.

Main objectives

The primary goals of a Mobility Study include:

• Evaluating current and future traffic flows.

• Identifying circulation constraints and proposing corrective measures.

• Promoting sustainable means of transport (walking, cycling, public transport).

• Ensuring road and pedestrian safety.

• Supporting municipal decision-making for project licensing and approval.

Essential contents

A comprehensive Mobility Study should provide a detailed analysis of the surrounding area and the characteristics of the proposed development. Common components include:

• Survey of road networks, access points, and public transport services.

• Traffic counts and circulation simulations.

• Projections of future flow and identification of critical points.

• Proposals for road reorganisation, parking, and soft mobility solutions.

• Technical recommendations for mitigation and improvement.

Relationship with the RJUE

Although the Legal Framework for Urbanisation and Building (RJUE) does not explicitly define the “Mobility Study”, its licensing provisions establish that every urban operation must comply with territorial management instruments and meet urban accessibility and road functionality standards. In practice, the RJUE governs prior control and technical responsibility, ensuring that the Mobility Study forms part of the official project documentation.

Why is it essential?

Integrating a Mobility Study into urban projects is not just a bureaucratic requirement—it is a sound planning practice.This study:

• Improves the quality of life for users and residents.

• Reduces accidents and congestion problems.

• Increases project value through urban efficiency and predictability.

• Strengthens environmental and social sustainability.

Who can prepare it?

The Mobility Study must be developed by qualified professionals, typically civil engineers specialising in transport and mobility. It may also involve collaboration with architects and urban planners to ensure a technically coherent and spatially integrated analysis.

Practical examples

• Commercial centre construction: Requires analysis of vehicle inflows and outflows, public transport routes, and parking capacity.

• New residential development: Evaluates local road capacity, pedestrian safety, and connectivity with public transport.

• Urban rehabilitation in a historic centre: Prioritises soft mobility and parking reorganisation.

Guidance for developers and property owners

• Seek preliminary advice from the municipality to confirm whether the study is mandatory.

• Hire experienced technical teams familiar with local regulations.

• Involve the architect from the early stages—mobility solutions should be integrated into the design proposal.

• Treat the study as a planning tool that adds value to the project, not just as an administrative requirement.

To consider

The Mobility Study is more than a technical report—it is the link between urban planning and everyday quality of life. A good architectural project should anticipate not only the building itself but also how people move through and interact within the urban space. In any planning process, mobility is key to coherent, modern, and sustainable growth.