Polis presented the urban dimension of EU transport policy and city measures to tackle air emissions at FIA working group meeting
The event was organised by FIA together with their Clubs’ experts on 30 September in Brussels. These were experts, mostly from European countries and a guest from Iran.
The workshop opened with an overview by FIA of the existing legislation at the European level in the following three policy areas: fuel, climate and efficiency. Polis introduced yet another policy area: the urban dimension of the EU transport policy.
Local and regional authorities are required to reduce air pollution to comply with EU legislation in their territories, yet big and small cities across the Union have difficulties in complying with air quality limits. The Clean Air Policy package published in 2013 identified urban areas as central for tackling the problem. Non-regulatory measures related to urban air pollution are tackled in the framework of the Communication on the Urban Mobility Package, notably in the guidelines on sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMP) and on Urban Vehicle Access Regulations. An SUMP offers a comprehensive framework for developing a set of initiatives and measures to tackle congestion and traffic, thus reducing emissions from ground-based transport at the city level.
The deployment of clean fuels and new technologies is also central in reducing car emissions. The recent adoption of new EU rules within the Clean Power for Transport package to ensure the build-up of alternative refueling points across Europe will support the development and deployment of electromobility in cities.
As a concrete example of what a city can do to abate air pollution, we introduced the London case. Significant improvements have been made over recent years thanks to various policy measures: A congestion charge since 2003 has removed 70,000 vehicles and reduced PM and NOx emissions by 16%. From 2012, 15 year age limit retiring 2,300 taxis (10% of the fleet); introduction of minimum Euro V and Ultra Low Emission taxi from 2020. Promotion of the use of alternative modes of transport by creating new safe cycling infrastructure, and expanding the cycle hire schemes. Introduction of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Retrofitting HGVs and buses.
The second part of the event looked at how to deal with CO2 emissions: Transport & Environment (Europena environmental groups charity) introduced the future CO2 legislation including driving emission tests and emissions trading schemes (ETS). The European Consumer Association (BEUC) presented CO2 labelling and how to help buyers make informed decisions.
Clubs’ experts have expressed their interest in learning more about urban mobility and city measures. Polis and FIA will look into working together in the next future to achieve a more sustainable and safer urban mobility.
For more infirmation, please contact Florinda Boschetti at fboschetti@polisnetwork.eu or +32 (0)2 500 56 74.