CLEAN AIR FOR AMSTERDAM: SET OF MEASURES Towards an emission-free 2025

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1 CLEAN AIR FOR AMSTERDAM: SET OF MEASURES Towards an emission-free 2025 Amsterdam February 2016 City of Amsterdam - Planning and Sustainability

2 AIR QUALITY: AN AMBITIOUS PLAN Why the ambitious approach? Amsterdam is an attractive city: it s great for visiting, doing business and living in. Improving Amsterdam s liveability is permanently on the city council s radar. A great deal of work is ongoing to ensure Amsterdam residents and visitors enjoy clean and healthy air. What will we do? In any liveable city, it is imperative that the air is healthy, making it a pleasure to be in the open air. That is why Amsterdam is now setting a no-holds-barred course towards achieving as much zero-emission transport for the city as possible by Each transport sector will have its own set of opportunities, responsibilities and priorities. How will we do this? To achieve this, a wide-ranging collaboration will be set in motion to initiate air-quality improvement measures. Together with the city s businesses and transport companies we will look into the most appropriate approach for both stimulation and regulation. Technological developments in the field of emission-free transport continue apace. This is complemented by progressive and more widely shared insight into issues such as smarter cooperation in logistics and distribution. In a city that is used increasingly intensively, this will open up manifold opportunities for smarter and cleaner transport. That is why we will focus our efforts on these developments, as well. Anyone who uses a polluting vehicle in the city has the responsibility to contribute towards cleaner air. Together we will create a wide-ranging set of tailor-made measures for clean air. This also means that, in years to come, Amsterdam residents and entrepreneurs will have to get rid of their current van, taxi or scooter, and will have to take the measures into account when purchasing a new vehicle. The impact on individual drivers can be considerable. We have therefore opted to introduce the measures gradually over a more extended period, in consultation with stakeholders from the business community. With regard to scooters, we are currently looking at suitable exemptions. At the same time, however, we ask everyone to be aware of the issues at stake and where appropriate we will call on people to make a contribution. After all, clean air is an issue that affects us all. Towards a clean and emission-free Amsterdam by 2025

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4 Infographic The above infographic gives an overview of the strategy Amsterdam has decided on to improve the city s air quality. The college of mayor and alderpersons will request all parties and modalities (meaning all forms of transport, including LGVs, private passenger cars, motor scooters etc) to contribute. By 2025, all motorised road traffic will either be clean (LGVs, buses and coaches, private passenger cars) or emission-free (taxis, vans, motor scooters). An agreement has been reached with the GVB (Amsterdam s primary public transport operator) that will see all buses emission-free by Passenger ferries will also be clean and emission-free by In short, all decisions will support the city council s ambition to become entirely clean and emission-free by More information can be found in the Air Quality Measures table (see paragraph 3), which gives an overview of the current status regarding all air quality initiatives.

5 MEASURES FOR CLEAN AIR FOR AMSTERDAM 1. Goal and standards In stating these goals, Amsterdam is highly ambitious. We are the first city in the Netherlands and in Europe to aim towards clean transport and zero emissions by To hit this target, Amsterdam is taking concrete action now, not later. In the immediate future we will take important initial steps such as setting subsidies, determining geographically extensive environmental zones that will be strictly monitored by number-plate scanning and providing innovative facilities for electric transport (taxi ranks, privileges such as parking on pavements, an extensive and much-used charging network etc). With the exception of a few locations, Amsterdam meets current European standards for air quality. However, the college, concentrating on the health benefits of cleaner air, chooses to continue to improve the air quality. To satisfy this, additional goals for air quality have been formulated and recorded in the Sustainability Agenda 1. These objectives go further than those demanded by European standards. Amsterdam s air quality policy and the accompanying measures also contribute to the city s climate policies by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases from motorised traffic. 2. Air quality measures: aimed at all target groups and all modes of transport To improve air quality in the city successfully, all parties need to become involved. The City of Amsterdam has already put in place a series of measures for its own municipal organisation, ensuring that the municipality s own vehicles will be clean and emission-free by However, residents (through the Cleaner Parking measure) as well as businesses (with which clear and concrete agreements have been made for the first time) are also called on to contribute. In addition, an agreement has been reached with the GVB stating all buses will be emission-free by The majority of the air quality measures in Amsterdam are generic in nature. The important advantage of general measures is that these will improve the air quality of the entire city, realising improvements and benefits for all residents and visitors alike. The general measures will make an important contribution to efficiently solving the remaining air quality traffic bottlenecks. These points will be addressed with location-specific initiatives (for example traffic flow measures along Stadhouderskade and, later, the introduction of the first emission-free buses on routes with points that are susceptible to traffic congestion). As well as these measures, which will improve the air quality across the entire city, a number of specific actions have been partially developed in the Mobility Implementation Agenda 2 (Uitvoeringsagenda Mobiliteit in Dutch). Amsterdam s air quality policies centre on the main polluters and frequent road users such as LGVs, vans and taxis. Emissions and journey length and frequency differ considerably per mode of transport. The four graphs below (which respectively represent nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM10), soot and hydrocarbons) demonstrate per mode of transport the relative contribution to the concentrations of pollutants as well as kilometres driven. The graphs distinguish between passenger cars (a distinction is drawn between petrol and diesel, including taxis), vans, LGVs, buses (including coaches) and mopeds. 1 Published by the college of mayor and alderpersons on 11 March Published by the college of mayor and alderpersons on 30 September 2015.

6 . Figure 1 (source: TNO; based on the 2013 Amsterdam fleet scan) Figure 1 gives the nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations. Amsterdam still does not meet European standards for emissions of nitrogen dioxide in all areas. It is noticeable that LGVs, which drive relatively few kilometres, are responsible for a substantial contribution to the NO 2 concentration. The opposite is also apparent; passenger cars (petrol) drive many kilometres, yet emit relatively little NO 2.

7 Figure 2 (source: TNO; based on the 2013 Amsterdam fleet scan) Figure 2 gives the particulate matter (PM10) concentrations, including particles from tyre and brake wear. Amsterdam meets the European standards in all areas. It is noticeable that LGVs, which drive relatively few kilometres, are responsible for a substantial amount of the PM10 concentration. Petrol passenger cars emit a great deal less PM10 than diesel passenger cars. Figure 3 (source: TNO; based on the 2013 Amsterdam fleet scan) Figure 3 gives the soot concentration (EC elemental carbon). There are no European standards in place for this element, however, soot is an important factor with regard to public health. For this reason, separate objectives have been formulated in the Sustainability Agenda for soot particles. Even more than is the case for PM10, it is noticeable that diesel passenger cars are responsible for a much greater contribution to soot concentrations than petrol passenger cars. Vans also emit relatively large amounts of soot.

8 Figure 4 (source: TNO; based on the 2013 Amsterdam fleet scan) Figure 4 pertains to hydrocarbons (HC). Again, there are no European standards in place for hydrocarbons (HC), however, hydrocarbons are highly hazardous. Note that mopeds, relatively seen, emit very large amounts of hydrocarbons, whilst making up only a fraction of the total of motorised traffic kilometres.

9 3. Overview of air quality measures: current state of implementation Regarding air quality measures, a distinction can be drawn between a) stimulating measures (subsidies etc), b) facilitating measures (for example a privilege policy regarding clean taxis which will be given priority at the Central Station taxi rank) and c) regulating measures (such as environmental zoning). The table below gives an overview of all the measures Amsterdam has already implemented, those that are currently in progress and those that are still at the planning stage. TABLE OF AIR QUALITY MEASURES Legend Implemented In progress Planned (to be introduced at a later date) Measure Facilitation Stimulation Regulation Explanation Amsterdam Electric Extending the charging infrastructure for electric transport: public spaces 1700 charging docks have been made available for public use; 4000 charging docks will be realised by 2018 (demand-driven) - Tender for public charging docks has been finalised, contract for seven years and 4000 charging docks, placement, management and exploitation; - placement for all EV drivers without own parking facilities; - current trend: there is an increasing demand for charging docks (monthly more than 2 million clean kilometres are charged in more than 40,000 charging sessions); - first link with local sustainable energy has been established, using energy exclusively generated by Westelijk Havengebied wind turbines; - innovation in view of sustainable energy and smart balancing of energy; - supply and demand are key in the new contract. Data analysis in cooperation with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) will offer insight and stimulation opportunities.

10 Extending the charging infrastructure for electric transport: parking garages Research into and introduction of charging docks in parking garages in Amsterdam In addition to parking and charging on the street, complementing the Amsterdam Parking Plan. Extending the charging infrastructure for electric transport: private spaces Subsidy programme for charging docks for EV drivers to be sited on private property or in semi-public spaces. Subsidy programme has been finalised. Subsidy has been granted for more than 600 charging docks. Fast charging strategy for electric transport Research into and realisation of fast charging docks for frequent road users in Amsterdam. In parallel to rolling out the six fast charging docks (see also: taxis), opportunities for expanding fast charging docks/hubs will be investigated in Q1 of Among other things, research will focus on the availability of sites, the adjustments required (both physical and legal), the manner in which this can be distributed and the time required for realising the work on these sites. Knowledge sharing (internationally) and innovation Data collection, analysis and application for smart, sustainable charging infrastructure. Amsterdam is the frontrunner in electric transport with regards to charging docks, linking with local energy generators and the actual numbers of electric vehicles. Cooperation with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (researchers, PhD candidates and approximately 30 students) regarding data analysis has provided significant insight into use. This has presented opportunities for an efficient rollout, linking up with sustainable generation, balancing power supply with demand. Cooperation and harmonising with G4, the national knowledge platform for charging infrastructure and the net manager. Nomination for the Eurocities award, RAAK-pro programme. Frequent road users + tourist boat agreements

11 GVB agreement 1 million euros reserved, 8 million pledged by the national government for introducing emission-free buses. Agreement: emission-free by Commercial vans agreement Series of measures for business sector Series of measures, implemented by the business sector; consisting of 10 actions to make freight transport in the city smarter and cleaner. Green Deal Zero Emission City Logistics Signing the national Green Deal. Facilitating local living labs focused on cleaner transport; committing to the ambition of having zero emissions in the city's logistics by Taxi agreement Subsidy for emission-free taxis Part of the subsidy arrangement for electric vehicles. Clean CS taxi rank Arrangements have already been realised for the Central Station taxi rank. Since 2015 clean taxis are given priority. Completely clean by Emission-free by Plan of approach for making other taxi ranks clean To be drafted in All taxi ranks to become emission-free around Charging electric taxis Tender for six rapid chargers for taxis rounded off. Placement at the beginning of Fast charging strategy looking ahead to growth in numbers of taxis at the beginning of Exemption for parking fees during charging (pilot) In preparation; the alderperson for traffic and transport has given approval. Research into use of target group zones The aim is to run a pilot scheme in 2016 exempting parking fees for public (fast) charging docks. Purchase of clean taxi transport In preparation; the City of Amsterdam plans purchasing emission-free taxi transport. Coaches agreement Currently being detailed (expected Q1/Q2). Sector is generally positive.

12 Cruise boats All passenger water traffic to be emission-free by 2025 in accordance with Nota Varen (Boat policy memorandum). Regulation of different modes of transport Environmental zone for LGVs From 2008; at least Euro IV Environmental zone for vans From 1 January 2017: date of first registration no earlier than 2000 Part of agreement; up for debate early February Environmental zone for coaches From 1 January 2018: date of first registration no later than 2005 Part of agreement; up for debate early February Environmental zone for taxis From 1 January 2018: date of first registration no later than 1 September 2009 Part of agreement; up for debate early February Environmental zone for mopeds From 1 January 2018: date of first registration no later than 2011 up for debate early February Subsidy programme for electric mopeds To be detailed further. Cleaner Parking; private passenger cars Cleaner Parking policy proposal Approved for policy proposal, tabled for debate early February Anticipated parking regulations to be amended from summer Miscellaneous

13 Subsidies for emission-free transport New subsidy regulations for electric vehicles determined The previous Amsterdam programme for clean frequent road-user commercial vehicles was successfully realised in the period. With the help of the programme, approximately 400 taxis, 400 vans, 25 LGVs and 150 business cars went electric. This makes Amsterdam the city with the most wholly electric vehicles for moving both people and goods. The new programme applies only to wholly electric vehicles, for a period of at least 24 months. Cargo hubs Currently three; scaling up to at least five. This concerns transhipment hubs for goods transport directly linked to privileges for electric driving, subsidy programmes for electric LGVs, facilitation of charging infrastructure and environmental zones. Privileges for electric vans and LGVs RVV (traffic and signal regulations) exemption for emission-free vans and LGVs This is now a pilot in the city centre; scaling up and expansion will follow Q Detailing parking privileges Parking privileges for businesses with emission-free vehicles during weekdays Implementing privileges will help promote and accelerate the increase of clean vehicles. Decision-making can take place at the same time as the implementation of 'cleaner parking'. Location-specific measures Improving traffic flow through Stadhouderskade Improvements in flow will improve air quality. The first part of the measure has been implemented, the Leidseplein section is still to be realised. Improving traffic flow through Prins Hendrikkade, Damrak Flow improvement will improve air quality. Improving traffic flow through Overtoom, Valkenburgerstraat, Jan van Galenstraat, Haarlemmerweg Flow improvement will improve air quality.

14 City's own organisation/exemplary function Clean-up plan for ferries The City of Amsterdam owns and runs the ferries. In 2015, TNO researched the possibilities for making these clean. Options will be presented in Q based on the TNO report. Upon agreement, the next step will be to draft a clean-up plan for the ferries in Municipality s purchases Input/consultancy position for purchase processes. Relocations must be achieved/purchased emission-free. Clean-up of municipality fleet The City's fleet will be clean and emission-free by The measures explained The above overview demonstrates that numerous measures have already been implemented, that key actions such as the stimulation of electric transport are currently in progress and that various other initiatives regarding air quality are in the pipeline. The latter include creating environmental zones (for vans, taxis, coaches and mopeds), introducing Cleaner Parking regulations, developing a strategy for and rolling out a fast-charging infrastructure as well as the purchase of clean emissionfree buses by the GVB. There will also be ongoing endeavours to address air quality problem points with the help of tailor-made location-specific solutions. For example, the first batch of clean emission-free GVB buses will be dedicated to routes that are susceptible to congestions and air quality issues. Agreements have been made with the GVB that by 2025 and beyond, only emission-free buses will operate in the city. The possibilities for emission-free ferries are currently being researched. Environmental zones will ensure that older, more polluting vehicles no longer gain access to the city. Since 2009, Amsterdam has had an extensive environmental zone in place for LGVs. This will be expanded in several phases to include vans, taxis, coaches and mopeds. The environmental zone for vans will come into place on 1 January 2017 and the other three on 1 January The Cleaner Parking regulations will be introduced this year: no parking permits will be issued to older, polluting passenger cars. The Cleaner Parking scheme will be implemented before the end of the year: parking permits will no longer be issued for old polluting cars. The situation for existing permit holders will remain unchanged and everyone who is currently on the waiting list will also receive a permit for the vehicle they have registered. The new rules will apply to new vehicles and new registrations on the waiting lists. Current rights-holders will not therefore be affected by the changes in policy but, when it comes to future decisions, vehicle owners should take amendments to policy frameworks into account.

15 Recent TNO research (Tail-pipe emissions and fuel consumption of standard and tampered mopeds; TNO 2013 R10232) only confirms the suspicions raised by previous research: that mopeds emit pollutants dangerous to health, including carcinogenic hydrocarbons (see also figure 4). These emissions can be anything between 10 to 100 times higher in mopeds than in passenger cars. Mopeds emit ten times more hydrocarbons when compared to all LGVs and vans in Amsterdam. Road users who drive behind a moped or who get caught behind a stationary moped, for example at a traffic light, are likely to be breathing in high concentrations of these substances. Research by the GGD (Public Health Service Amsterdam) has established that mopeds also contribute to higher concentrations of ultrafine particles. The electric transport programme is being implemented with vigour. Amsterdam leads the way and intends to retain this pole position for years to come. In the coming period, the charging infrastructure will be expanded considerably to 4000 charging docks by How to expand the fast charging infrastructure will also be investigated. Regarding electric transport, the focus is on frequent road users (such as taxis and the transporting goods sector) and on expanding and improving facilities (everyone with an electric vehicle can request expansion of the network). Creating a link between generating sustainable energy and the charging network will be key topic for the future. For the remaining air quality problem points, location-specific, tailor-made solutions will be put in place, such as traffic flow improvements. These have been set out in the Mobility Performance Agenda and have been partially implemented. 5. Monitoring air quality Careful research is carried out, including measurements and calculations, and recorded annually in Amsterdam. As an EU member state, the Netherlands is under the obligation to do so. Calculations by the RIVM (the national institute for public health and environment; the calculations are national calculations that include Amsterdam s input), and measurements by the GGD demonstrate that over the past few years, the city s air quality has been gradually improving. The GGD figures are available online at Despite a downward trend in air polluting concentrations, Amsterdam still has a number of persistent problem points. It is expected that the measures taken and proposed (see paragraphs 3 and 4) will lead to these last remaining problem points being solved during this term of the college of mayor and alderpersons (until 2018), whilst at the same time improving air quality throughout the entire city. For even with all the EU standards met, there remains a hazard to public health.