Other measures such as access to bus lanes have a lower financial impact. The study reaches a combined cost of 3571€/t CO2.

Is this money well invested ? Is such an amount justifiable while climate change is a global issue that can be fought in a number of ways ? An alterantive would be to acquire carbon credits or to finance projects at scale directly. Carbon credit prices fluctuate around 5 to 10€/t CO2. The norwegian government thus pays 350x more to reduce the mobility footprint of its population. Other benefits can be a consideration, such as local air or noise pollution, but from a climate change standpoint, it is difficult to find a rationale for this policy. A study from the University of Trondheim was asking in 2015 already that such wasteful measures be sunset in favor of more effective alternatives.

The norwegian government appears stuck with a policy which appears to have popular appeal, but which represents questionable use of the funds afforded  – ironically or hypocritically – by the revenues of the fossil fuel industry (21% of state revenues).

Links

Forum topic – Hybrid and electric road tests – further reading: