BUS LANES FOR EVs

[Olivier Vander Elst]

BUS LANES FOR EVs

I am one of the EV players in Ireland which is gearing up to become EV friendly . The most cost effective EV incentive available in Norway since July 2003 is the use of BUS LANES .

"The strongest boost in driver demand came for them in 2003 when electric cars were given the right to drive in bus lanes, the prohibition of which is a constant headache and source of traffic snarls for drivers of standard cars. There is no better encouragement from a government to switch over and save precious commuting time while being noticed by regular “polluting” motorists. "

Has anyone got good ideas and stats possibly from Norway reinforcing the case we are trying to make here with the policy makers?

All views are welcome

[Richard]

It is a common reason for buying an EV in Oslo. One of the reasons at least.

So how to get it? Back here people just started to drive in protest without paying the fines. They got the media on their side and their fines where eventually forgiven and a law was passed allowing the EVs free passage in the buslanes and tollrings


I was not involved in the EV scene at that time but it is sure fun to hear the stories from those days

[Olivier Vander Elst]

Thanks a lot Richard, this is really helpful and certainly an angle we could consider with the Irish love of rebellion.

Would you have any material (from the press or government) at all in terms of EVs on the road and proves that it does not clog the bus lanes?

I am trying to get hold of some of the early activists working with Bellona.no but no luck so far .

Many thanks for your help it s much appreciated.

[Richard]

The main EV guy and co-founder of Bellona from those days is Mr. Rune Haaland. Today he is the Secratary General of Norstart, The main EV group in Norway and also the Head of the government appointed council for Electrification. I have sendt you his emailadr in a PM