An alliance of motoring organisations, public transport groups, Schiphol airport, and cycling enthusiasts have called on the government to increase in investment in making transport more sustainable. 

The Mobiliteitsalliantie (mobility alliance), says the government needs to put more of a €35 billion fund for combating climate change into the transport sector. Just 1.7% of the funding has been allocated to mobility, yet the sector has been made responsible for 18% of the necessary reductions in carbon dioxide, the alliance says. 

“Mobility has a major impact on the health and prosperity of the Netherlands and it has to remain affordable,” Marga de Jager, chairwoman of the alliance and motoring organisation ANWB, told broadcaster NOS. “If making mobility more sustainable has to be almost entirely funded by ordinary citizens and industry, then support will ebb away.”

In particular, more money needs to be invested in public transport which has been hit by high energy prices, inflation and lower passenger numbers, she said. “And that means passengers are paying more and the supply is under pressure,” De Jager said. 

Another issue is road tax. Electric cars will be fully liable for road tax again in 2025 but because they are heavier than petrol-driven vehicles, they will end up paying more to use the roads, she pointed out. “And that will stop lots of consumers buying electric cars, whether new or second hand.”