Subsidised parking for clean vehicles

As part of Malmo’s efforts to promote the use of clean fuels and vehicles, the city introduced a parking policy privileging drivers of cleaner cars. Photo credit: Mats Persson

Implementing sustainable mobility

Up to October 2007, Malmo had offered free parking to drivers of electric vehicles only. In 2005, less than 10 percent of new cars purchased were classified as clean vehicles and the aim was to increase the proportion by changing public perceptions.

The ultimate objectives of the new parking policy were to decrease levels of nitrogen oxides, particulates and CO2 , and to increase the proportion of clean vehicles among new cars purchased.

Part of the measure was the ongoing development and maintenance of the website www.miljofordon.se, created jointly by Malmo, Gothenburg and Sweden, which focuses on topical issues in the field of clean vehicles and alternative fuels.

How did the measure progress?

In 2005, a questionnaire was distributed to 700 citizens of Malmo in order to gauge public opinion with respect to subsidised parking and willingness to purchase a clean vehicle. A total of 90 percent were in favour or proposals to increase the proportion of clean cars, and 80 percent were in favour of offering free or subsidised parking to drivers of clean cars prior to measure implementation.

Subsidised parking for clean vehicles was introduced in October 2007. The subsidy applies to vehicles that are no more than three years old and that comply with Malmo’s definition of clean vehicles (i.e. running on ethanol, hybrid or pure electric vehicles). Drivers of clean vehicles can purchase a permit allowing them to park for one hour free of charge in parking spaces administered by the city. After the first hour, parking is charged at the normal rate.

Brochures, posters and advertisements were published to disseminate information about the new parking policy.

What were the outcomes of the measure?

Within seven months of implementation, 5.5 percent of the public were taking advantage of the subsidies (1,031 permits issued). A survey carried out in spring 2008 showed that only 3 percent of respondents did not know what was meant by a “clean vehicle”. The level of awareness of the subsidised parking fees was 39 percent. Between October 2007 and April 2008, approximately 1,700 new clean cars were registered in Malmo.

Estimated emissions reductions were a maximum of 190,828 kg of CO2; 151kg of nitrogen oxides and 10.3 kg or particulates.