Moldova’s parliament has approved the controversial Sustainable Urban Mobility Bill at its first reading.
The bill includes several sensible measures. These cover parking rules, the removal of abandoned and rotting cars from courtyards, and the placement of public transport stops in major cities.
However, it also introduces an unwelcome change for owners of older, heavily used cars.
The bill has been promoted by environmental advocates. It introduces the concept of low-emission zones (LEZs). If the bill becomes law, local authorities will be able to restrict older, high-polluting cars in certain urban areas. They could also charge higher parking fees in these zones.
Chișinău and Bălți are likely to be affected first.
As expected, lawmakers are pointing to Europe as an example. Similar restrictions have been in place in many European cities for years.
However, the PAS government often overlooks one important detail. There is a major difference between the average Moldovan’s standard of living and that of the average European.
The average European can usually afford to replace their car with a newer model that meets current emissions standards. For many, buying a new car once every ten years is a realistic option.
The situation is very different in Moldova. Most people cannot afford a new, low-emission car from a dealership. Instead, they continue to rely on second-hand vehicles.
In a country as poor as Moldova, such restrictions could have serious consequences. Rather than simply improving air quality, they could limit people’s mobility and place an extra burden on their finances.
Many drivers might want a newer, cleaner car. However, they simply cannot afford one.
The result could be a policy that penalises people not because they reject environmental goals, but because they lack the money to meet them.
