Mobility newsletter - January 2025

Mobility Newsletter, January 2025

What's new in mobility land? At the start of each month, we share the latest news related to all things mobility in our mobility newsletter.

In the news 📰

New regulations from the Arizona government:

Mobility budget for all! The mobility budget will become more accessible, with the 3-year waiting period and the requirement of having at least one company car removed. Employees without company cars may also gain access, but details are unclear.

Hybrid cars will once again be fiscally advantageous for employers, with 75% tax deductibility until the end of 2027, after which it will gradually decrease like EVs. Fuel costs will be 50% deductible, and electricity costs will follow EV taxation rules. Hybrid cars emitting ≤50 g/km CO₂ may receive higher deductibility until 2027. Read the coalition agreement here.

Mobility facts 🧮

In 2024, cars remained the dominant mode of transport in Wallonia, accounting for 71.4% of kilometers traveled, while trains made up just 9.2%. The region aims to reduce car use to 60% and increase train travel to 15% by 2030. Despite efforts to shift mobility patterns, train accessibility remains a challenge, with high ticket prices and poor user experience among key issues. Transport accounts for 22% of Wallonia’s greenhouse gas emissions, prompting calls for alternatives like public transport and carpooling. Source.

Sales of speed pedelecs declined for the second year in a row in 2024, but bike leasing is driving growth. Leasing accounted for more than half of new sales, with additional opportunities for education staff. Meanwhile, the second-hand market hit a record high, partly due to re-registered lease bikes. More information can be found here.

Did you know❓

From 2027, the chances of paying a fine for a traffic violation in another EU country will increase as member states share license plate data for more offenses. The list of violations will expand from 8 to 18, including dangerous overtaking, driving against traffic, and ignoring railway crossing rules. Fines must be issued in the recipient's language, and collection will be handled by governments. More information can be found here.

From February 1, riding an e-scooter on the sidewalk in Barcelona will result in a €500 fine. The city is updating traffic rules to improve pedestrian safety. Wearing a helmet will also become mandatory, with a €100 fine for non-compliance. E-scooters must not exceed 25 km/h, and speeding will be fined €500. Source.

The number of accidents involving uninsured drivers rose 5 per cent more than in 2023 and over a quarter more than in 2021. Last year, 6,559 new files were opened for accidents involving drivers without insurance. The Belgian Common Guarantee Fund, reports this. This organisation compensates road users when the other party is uninsured. Claims related to theft or fraud surged by 57.4%. Source.

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