News item | 27-12-2022 | 15:02
A number of new rules will come into force from 2023. Various subsidy schemes will also open (again). Below you can read the most important changes.
Helmet compulsory for moped riders
From 1 January, all moped riders and any passengers must wear an approved moped helmet or an approved speed pedelec helmet. This is expected to reduce the number of road fatalities and road injuries among moped riders. Drivers and people sitting on the back risk a fine of 100 euros if they do not wear a helmet. See this link for more information.
New APK test for diesel cars
From 1 January, the soot filter test is a mandatory part of the General Periodic Inspection (APK). All diesel vehicles that are required to have a particulate filter must pass this test. This concerns a total of 1.2 million vehicles. Diesel cars with a broken or removed soot filter damage the environment and our health. The structural environmental effect of the introduction of the new test is a reduction of particulate matter emissions by 121,000 kg per year. See this link For more information.
Producers will contribute to cleaning up litter
From 1 January, packaging manufacturers are responsible for collecting and processing their packaging that is released in industrial waste. This responsibility already applied to household waste. See this link For more information. From 5 January, producers of certain plastic products (such as balloons, wet wipes, tobacco products, bags and drinking cups) are also obliged to contribute to the cleaning up of litter. These producers are also obliged to encourage consumers to prevent litter. This obligation reduces the amount of (plastic) litter and limits the harmful effects on the environment and health. See this link For more information.
Cleaner drinking water for everyone
On January 12, European regulations will come into force that set new requirements for tap water. This will lead to better monitoring of substances that may pose a problem for drinking water quality. The presence of lead drinking water pipes should also be monitored more closely in locations where there are many children, and it should be reported if the lead pipes are removed. In addition, insight into legionella is being improved, in order to keep the associated risks small.
Re-opening of subsidies for electric vehicles
From 1 January, private individuals can again purchase an electric car with a subsidy. New or second-hand, purchase or private lease. The subsidy amount per new car is 2,950 euros, per used electric car that is 2,000 euros. In total, there is more than 99 million euros in the pot for 2023. In 2023, entrepreneurs will again receive a subsidy for the purchase of a truck or delivery van that runs emission-free (on hydrogen or electric). A total of 32 million euros is available for this. This also applies to construction machines that operate without emitting nitrogen, for which there will be a subsidy of 36 million euros in 2023. See this link For more information.
Temporary arrangement for public transport ambassadors
As of January 1, municipalities can apply for a subsidy for the recruitment and training of public transport ambassadors. These ambassadors are volunteers who, among others, familiarize the elderly and people with a disability with public transport. Municipalities can also use the subsidy to expand current public transport ambassador projects. A total of 1.5 million euros is available.
Subsidy to avoid the road with freight transport
As of 1 January, more than 22 million euros will be available to encourage transporters to transport their goods by water or rail. Transporters can apply for an amount of 20 euros per container moved (or equivalent in bulk). This means fewer trucks on the road, safer roads and cleaner air. See this link For more information.
Investing in environmentally friendly techniques
In 2023, companies will have more opportunities to invest in innovative environmentally friendly techniques and assets through the MIA/Vamil scheme. The total budget in 2023 is 217 million euros. Thanks to this scheme, companies can deduct sustainable investments from their taxes. Investments to which this applies include biogas generators for local power supply at festivals, for example, investments in production equipment for fish and dairy substitutes and sustainable building materials such as wooden insulation boards based on residual flows. More information is here to find.