trans.info — 2023-05-16
Land transportation
The Flemish government has recently approved the updated Flemish Energy and Climate Plan (VEKP) as part of its efforts to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
According to newmobility.news, the plan includes measures such as the extension of the HGV kilometre charge and the introduction of a support mechanism for new and second-hand zero-emission vehicles.
To address the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, the Flemish government will extend the kilometre charge for HGVs. This charge will also apply in port areas and on specific shortcuts, including the Limburg North-South connection.
Notably, zero-emission lorries weighing over 3.5 tons will be exempted from the kilometre charge.
Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters, in collaboration with Energy Minister Zuhal Demir, plans to develop schemes that stimulate emission-free distribution in urban centres with a goal to enable emission-free city centres supply by 2025.
Haulier organisations express sharp critique
The decision to exclude passenger cars from the kilometre charge has drawn disappointment from transport federations, such as the Federation of Belgian hauliers and logistic service providers (Febetra). While the transport sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for the highest share in Belgium, passenger cars remain unaffected by the proposed kilometre charge.
Febetra suggests that introducing a kilometre charge for all vehicles would be more effective in combating emissions.
Also, the organisation Transport and Logistics in Flanders (TLV) has advocated for a comprehensive road toll encompassing all vehicles.
Voka, the Flemish network of companies, endorses the transport federations’ criticism and expresses disappointment that the smart kilometre charge for passenger cars has not been introduced. They consider it a missed opportunity for a significant and impactful measure.
Moreover, Febetra voices regret over the lack of consultation with the sector during the planning process.
However, automobile federation Ferias has expressesed satisfaction regarding the exemption of zero-emission trucks from the kilometre charge.
Kris Gysels, Director of Public Affairs at the automobile federation, states that this exemption will have positive effects on sales and help bridge the gap with Germany. Gysels explains that, when combined with the federal investment deduction and the Flemish ecology premium, the purchase of an emission-free truck can receive support of up to approximately 40%. In comparison, Germany offers support as high as 80%, and the Netherlands also surpasses our current level of support.
Nonetheless, Gysels thinks that this measure will still help narrow the gap and make the acquisition of zero-emission trucks more appealing in the next five years. It represents an important step forward.