By Megan Link
Individuals concerned about climate change often support sustainable transportation policies, such as reducing car use or adopting new mobility solutions. Studies from Norway highlight how varying attitudes toward these types of policies can influence their effectiveness. While some groups back most transportation initiatives—whether they involve incentives or regulations—others resist any policies they perceive as restrictive. Gaining insight into these diverse attitudes, especially among those neutral toward different strategies, can help shape effective policy.
Norway, a leading EV adopter, is starting to take steps to move away from private cars to reduce emissions. Two separate analyses highlight the complex relationship between policy, individual behavior, and travel preferences, including the impact of environmental concern on travel decisions.
The first looked at public acceptance of various transportation policies, finding that engaging with groups neutral to all transportation policy could have a significant impact on new sustainable initiatives. Many survey respondents were likely to support any new sustainable initiatives, while opponents were likely to be against them no matter what the policy was. Overall, people, especially environmentally conscious individuals, supported most sustainable policies, though more restrictive parking policies and congestion charges were less popular. Those opposed to all policies are mostly older men who fear that the policies will negatively impact their travel time and ability to reach destinations. Understanding existing perceptions and attitudes toward the impacts of policy can shift people’s views, especially when they are more sensitive to strategies that seem to restrict their choices.
Overall support is strong for policies that invest in public transport, while parking policies and congestion charges are more controversial. Policies with straightforward, understandable language and implementation are more likely to be accepted. Those that are complex or seen as unfair face more resistance, especially when they’re associated with higher costs or constraints on personal freedom.
People more concerned about climate change are less likely to view cars as their preferred travel mode, more likely to live car-free, and use cars less overall. They also tend to live in denser urban areas with better public transportation access. However, in a separate analysis, these patterns don’t always apply to electric vehicle use. Norway’s policies promote EVs through tax incentives and parking privileges but do not fully address the need for reduced overall driving, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive transportation policy approach.
While climate concern often leads to more sustainable travel behaviors, effective transportation policies must consider the existing infrastructure, public attitudes, and the broader environmental impact. The authors conclude:
“We need to acknowledge, however, that instilling a strong personal responsibility to help address climate change is not enough…we need to ensure that cities and urban regions are prepared to accommodate individuals who are willing to live a car-reduced or even car-free life…. Immediate action is required through land use planning and urban design, investment in public transport and infrastructure for active mobility, and car-reducing interventions that directly aim at discouraging car use and removing cars from the streets.”
Photo Credit: Maksim Goncharenok via Pexels, unmodified. License.