Like in most other countries, Swedish car drivers are often targeted by environmentalists as a major environmental hazard. In real terms the rapid electrification of the private car fleet is bound to dramatically reduce CO2 and other emissions from private cars in the next few years. So, what do the car drivers say?
Based on a recent survey, The Royal Swedish Automotive Club published an article about the car drivers’ current views. Anders Ericson is Secretary General of the distinguished organisation founded in 1903:
“We are working actively to support reduced emissions and other environmental problems, but the current political approach is often contra-productive. People do need their cars. According to our surveys 81 percent of the population want access to a car of their own, but the politically appointed city planners move in the very opposite direction. Last year emissions from cars were down by fully 27 percent compared to 2019, and electrification has only just begun.”
In an article published in a major daily, Mr. Ericson and his colleague Anders Ydstedt conclude that – in spite of increased fuel costs and politically driven reduction of available parking spaces – people continue to use their cars. Why? 69 percent of car-owning households say that their standard of living would be lowered if they didn’t have access to a car, and 56 percent say that they would find it difficult to remain in their current home without having access to a car.
Interestingly, nearly two thirds believe that it is important that politicians and relevant authorities plan for increased numbers of cars, and an even greater majority say that new housing projects should be planned to accommodate parking spaces for everybody living there, or visiting them. Which is significantly more than today.
The article further states that:
- Regardless of future developments, including alternative fuels, electrification, and potential self-driving cars, we will always need to invest in a safe and effective infrastructure
- Planning must be based on factual developments rather than wishful thinking
- Cities must be open and easily accessible also for outside visitors
- New technologies should be applied to develop the traffic system and parking facilities based on public demand, also in the cities.
Actively driving an anti-car policy does not work, and will only worsen congestions and pollution in the inner cities.
