Environmental reforms car owners love – and hate

Cheers to scrapping premiums and charging infrastructure! And no thanks to increased fuel taxes and higher parking fees – that's what it sounds like if the Swedes have their say.

A 2021 Sifo survey took the pulse of car owners' opinions and thoughts on political reforms linked to their car ownership. The answers were clear: Yes to economic incentives and infrastructure that facilitate the system shift, no to measures that make it more expensive and complicated to own a car.

No thanks to increased taxes

The most negative opinion is about raising taxes on petrol and diesel. 76 percent say no to increased fuel taxes. In joint second place are higher parking fees and reduced infrastructure investments (75%). This is followed by increased vehicle taxes on fossil-fuelled cars (66%) and congestion taxes (62%).

Among the reforms that are viewed positively, the scrapping premium for cars with high emissions is at the top (73%), followed by investments in charging stations (71%), reduced taxes on renewable fuels and higher green car bonuses (55%).

– To manage the transition, both a carrot and a stick are needed. But politics probably focuses too much on one and too little on the other, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager Kvdbil, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager Kvdbil.

Daniel Odsberg is convinced that most motorists want to reduce their emissions. But some may not be able to afford it or feel that the alternatives are not practical enough. In that case, it is up to politicians to create the conditions and facilitate change. Unfortunately, this survey shows, with a few exceptions, that what is most in demand may be what is least prioritized.

Many Swedes are positive about scrapping premiums.

Want the scrap bonus back

In Sweden, there was a state scrapping premium until 2007 when it was abolished and replaced by producer responsibility, which means that the car manufacturer is responsible for scrapping and recycling. Today, a clear majority wants the old system back.

I interpret the broad support as meaning that there is a great interest in replacing your old car, if you only get a little financial help. Many people probably think that the premium can be used as part of a cash contribution to buy a newer car with lower emissions, says Odsberg. Hopefully, politicians will listen and see the possibilities, because producer responsibility cannot be described as anything other than a failure. Since 2007, a mountain of older cars has built up in Sweden, which is causing an enormous burden on our environment and our climate, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager at Kvdbil.

The environmental reforms that Sweden's car owners are most positive about

• Scrapping premiums for cars with high emissions (73%)

• Support the construction of more charging stations for electric cars (71%

• Reduced tax on biofuels (61%)

• Increased green car premiums (55%)

• Environmental zones and other bans on car traffic (38%)

…and here is what people are most negative about

• Increased gasoline and diesel taxes (76%)

• Increased parking fees in urban areas (75%)

• Reduced infrastructure investments (75%)

• Increased vehicle tax for cars powered by fossil fuels (66%)

• More and/or increased congestion taxes (62%)

About the survey

The survey was conducted in Kantar Sifo's web panel during the period 9-12 March 2021. A total of 802 people aged 18-79 were interviewed. The web panel is nationally representative and recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Sifo's web panel.