The Dutch Parliament will not compel the cabinet to intervene against municipalities implementing emission-free zones. This was a key takeaway from a recent parliamentary debate.
Discussions regarding zero-emission zones, which restrict polluting delivery and freight vehicles in certain urban areas, have been ongoing. Fourteen municipalities, including the five largest cities, will establish these zones on January 1, 2024.
In October, the Parliament urged a delay for affected businesses, but State Secretary Jansen concluded last month that there isn’t enough support for this among municipalities or within the cabinet. Municipalities ultimately have the authority, he reiterated.
Jansen requested that municipalities refrain from imposing fines for the first year, but they agreed only to a six-month grace period. Additionally, entrepreneurs with the cleanest diesel vans will have access to city centers with zero-emission zones until January 1, 2029, instead of 2028.
A new motion by the VVD and BBB to report every two months on the impact of these zones on businesses is likely to pass. VVD MP Veltman mentioned that policy adjustments could follow if reports indicate issues.
Jansen dismissed the motion as redundant, citing his existing plans to monitor developments. The most severe criticism in the debate came from Jansen’s own party, the PVV, which opposes the zones.
MP Heutink described them as disastrous, potentially causing financial trouble for over 100,000 entrepreneurs. The PVV demands an urgent regulation to postpone the zones’ implementation, but the motion lacks majority support.
According to Jansen, this proposal would induce more uncertainty and confusion for businesses.
Source: NOS