Policy: Local Government

A success factor attributed for progress made in Sweden has been the role of regional climate strategies undertaken by local governments in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo. Under these strategies a number of other initiatives were launched alongside the environmental vehicle excise duty including lower speed limits, restrictions on access and parking of high emissions vehicles and congestion charging. Moreover, local governments have taken leading roles in developing and disseminating information of more efficient vehicles and the link with climate impacts. Both voluntary and obligatory requirements have been established to ensure consumers receive information before vehicle purchase. In fact, the demand for less polluting vehicles for public institutions and regional, national and local authorities was a driver behind developing the concept of the “green” car in Sweden and gaining public acceptance for the vehicle tax (Borup, 2007).