“The affordability of mobility is under increasing pressure”. This is what RAI Association chairman Steven van Eijck says in response to the Budget Day pieces for 2023. Not only are consumers hard hit by the sharply increased prices, entrepreneurs are also finding it increasingly difficult. To the frustration of many entrepreneurs, the costs will rise even further in the coming years, partly due to the abolition of the tax exemption on a new conventional delivery van. RAI Association chairman Steven van Eijck urges the cabinet to keep sustainable mobility affordable for everyone. This can be done by offering more space, in addition to electric, for affordable alternative, efficient means of transport and fuels. Good for the wallet and good for the environment.
Mobility connects and keeps society moving. However, mobility is becoming unaffordable for an increasing group of travelers and entrepreneurs, which increases mobility poverty. The sharply rising energy costs, high inflation and the government's unilateral focus on electrification of mobility mean that entrepreneurs and travelers are burdened by rapidly rising costs and are limited in their freedom of movement.
“The only way to stick to the climate goals and to keep mobility affordable in the coming years is through a technology-neutral mobility policy. Bet on multiple technologies, such as hydrogen, (plug-in) hybrid and alternative sustainable fuels. Also encourage the use of bicycles and scooters for short to medium distances. This increases the freedom of choice, allows more consumers and entrepreneurs to save COշ immediately and reduces costs.”
Tax incentives
The mobility industry is keen to achieve the 2030 and 2050 climate targets. For many entrepreneurs and travelers, however, zero emissions is not yet an option in the coming years. Van Eijck: “There are plenty of sustainable and more affordable alternatives available to them, but these are not an integral part of government policy.” For example, the government plans to abolish the existing exemption from the purchase tax (bpm) on conventional delivery vans as of 2025 in order to stimulate the purchase of electric delivery vans. For many entrepreneurs, however, this is not yet an alternative, which means that they will soon lose an average of 11.000 euros more for their van.
Road transport must also rapidly electrify in the coming years due to the introduction of 'zero-emission city logistics zones', while the necessary charging infrastructure and sufficient network capacity are still lacking. “This makes a profitable deployment impossible for many.” Economical plug-in hybrid trucks have proven to be effective, but may only be used until 2030.
Excise duty reduction
The RAI Association supports the decision to extend the current temporary reduction in excise duty for diesel and petrol until mid-2023. Van Eijck: “In addition, ensure a permanent reduction in excise duty on cleaner renewable fuels, such as synthetic petrol. This reduces the costs for these fuels, stimulates use and saves more COշ.”
More attention for two-wheelers
The RAI Association also wants the use of electric scooters and bicycles to be increased over short to medium distances. For example, the existing lease scheme for bicycles must be simplified and additionally broadened with electric scooters to encourage more people to use these clean, cheaper means of transport. This also applies to the use of (electric) motorcycles, which, thanks to their size and maneuverability, are ideal for commuting in and around the city. By lowering the driving license requirements for motorcycles, as in other countries in Europe, you lower the threshold for getting on a motorcycle. This reduces traffic congestion and reduces emissions Royal RAI Association.
