BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – In order to close a gap in climate targets, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) wants to expand the charging network for electric cars and bicycle traffic. This comes from an emergency program presented on Wednesday to meet the climate targets in the transport sector. Wissing said in Berlin that the transport sector would be led back on the “path to compliance with the climate targets”.
Wissing reports more money in the budget for the expansion of the public car and truck charging infrastructure in the coming years. It is assumed that additional budgetary funds of around eight billion euros will be required, it said.
Wissing had to present an immediate climate protection program because the transport sector exceeded the annual CO2 emissions specified in the Climate Protection Act last year. In 2021, the transport sector’s emission targets were exceeded by around three million tonnes of CO2. With the package of measures, the difference will be completely compensated for, according to Wissing.
With a nationwide charging network for e-cars, the further ramp-up of e-mobility and commercial vehicles should be promoted. An “expansion offensive” for cycling is also planned.
With regard to the planned expansion of local public transport, Wissing confirmed that he first wanted to wait for the results of an evaluation of the 9-euro ticket in local and regional transport – this expires at the end of August. Wissing also referred to a federal and state working group on reforms in public transport. The minister spoke again in favor of simpler tariff structures.
Wissing again rejected a general speed limit on motorways. He had to weigh up the rapid achievement of the climate goals and the requirements and also the acceptance of the society for measures on the other hand, he said.
Regarding the fact that the federal government has not yet submitted an entire immediate climate protection program, Wissing said that there was still a need for discussion. He is convinced that progress can be made very quickly here and is willing to make compromises.
Wissing’s emergency program met with great criticism, including from the Greens as coalition partners. Wissing must present effective measures instead of getting lost in the small things, said Green energy politician Lisa Badum. “There are so many measures on the table: reduction of climate-damaging subsidies or the reform of company car privileges and vehicle tax. The ministry has to get off the brakes and now push the mobility turnaround. Greenpeace spokeswoman Marion Tiemann said: “Volker Wissing is fleeing in climate protection in nebulous funding commitments and blocks further quick effective steps such as a speed limit.”/hoe/DP/stk