Working group: Extensive range of measures for the reduction of transport-related emissions

In its interim report published on 29 August 2017, the parliamentary working group tasked with assessing funding of the transport network proposed a range of measures for reducing transport-related emissions; these include the subsidising of low-emission transport, the implementation of reforms to taxation and regulation as well as the improvement of the preconditions for public transport and promoting the servicification of transport.

"The proposed measures will be a step in the right direction to reducing transport-related emissions. The set objectives are very ambitious, and in order to achieve them, we will need versatile measures and genuine commitment. An effort has been made to target the measures for reducing emissions equally, so that their impact on businesses, different regions and commuters are reasonable," says chairman of the working group, Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner.

The objectives set by the EU for cuts to emissions as well as the National Energy and Climate Strategy dictate that transport-related emissions must be cut to half of what they were in 2005 by 2030. The working group's interim report takes a stand on the measures necessary for a reduction in transport-related emissions within the scope of the National Energy and Climate Strategy.

The working group proposes that the share of biofuels be increased to 30 per cent in accordance with previous decisions. An effort will be made to increase the number of low-emission vehicles by subsidising the purchase of fully electric cars from 2018 to 2021, as well as by converting gas and flexfuel cars with a sum of 6 million euros per year.

A sum of 4 million euros per year will be allocated to subsidise the construction of a charging and distribution network as well as the electrification of urban logistics equally in all regions. Additionally, the working group wants to examine the possibility of changing the company car base to consist of low-emission vehicles. Details on the subsidies system will be specified during the last part of 2017.