Photo: BMLFUW
Transport policy
Transport policy aims at reducing the environmental stress caused by road traffic.Movements from place A to place B are essential in present-day life. Urbanisation, urban sprawl and the basic structural change in shopping opportunities have made the way to work, the way to school and travel routes a necessity.
In our times of labour division, the distribution of production sites, of the agglomerations and economic areas the transportation of goods is required.A core task of the Austrian transport policy is to reduce the environmental stress caused by road traffic.
Apart from the traffic volume caused by Austrians themselves, the transit of the international traffic constitutes the major problem. Being a land-locked country in the heart of Europe, Austria is particularly affected by this. Not only the north - south transit, but - since the EU enlargement – also the west - east transit stresses environment and health.
The situation is even aggravated by the rising number of always bigger vehicles and the increasing road performance. This puts at risk Austria's compliance with its climate protection targets.
Over the past few years Austria has already taken important initiatives for an environmentally sound transport policy that is not detrimental to human health. More than 10 years ago obligatory exhaust catalysts were introduced and leaded fuel was prohibited. This lead to a marked reduction of the lead emissions and to a decline of the traffic-induced emission rates for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The introduction of sulphur-free gasoline and diesel as from 1 January 2004 and the raising of the market shares of alternative fuels have made an important contribution to improving the quality of the air.
As another step to reduce exhaust gas particle filters for diesel passenger cars have been tax-supported since 1 July 2005. Additionally, since 1 October 2005 a share of bio-fuels of 2.5 percent and, as from 1 October 2008, of 5.75 percent was/is legally provided for.
In September 2007 the starting signal for E85 fuels was given. Under the name “Superethanol” a fuel is offered which consists of up to 85 percent renewable resources.
The ROAD pricing system for trucks as well as the raising of the mineral oil tax brings about an important control effect to shift the carriage of goods from road to rail.
The Ministry of Life gives quite a few impulses to promote alternative mobility. Under the maxim “Soft mobility” offers for a “car-free vacation” are available in the Salzburg tourism communities of Werfenweng and Bad Hofgastein.
Langenlois in Lower Austria is Austria’s first ‘traffic-saving municipality’. The goal is to save traffic through simple measures in everyday life and occupational life without limiting people’s quality of life.
Another decisive element of Austria's transport policy is the subsidisation of the mobility management of enterprises. Subsidies are granted for CO2 -cutting measures like the adaptation of transport systems and motor vehicle pools, for investments to promote public transportation, bicycle and pedestrians traffic as well as for services and consulting related to mobility.
With the gasoline-saving initiative and impulses concerning bicycle-riding the Ministry of Life attaches importance also to awareness raising.
On international level Austria wants to further develop its role as a driving force for, and a trend-setter in, an environmentally friendly transport policy in EU, WHO/UNECE and OECD committees.
25.08.2008, Lebensministerium Öffentlichkeitsarbeit