Energy security concerns and traffic congestion in Europe have led governments to discuss and implement new practices that will directly affect drivers. In Switzerland, lowering the speed limit on highways to 80 kilometers per hour has been brought to the agenda as a measure against a potential fuel supply crisis, while in Malta, a program has been launched that provides cash payments to young drivers who give up driving.
It is stated that the Swiss Federal Office for National Economic Supply has submitted an emergency plan to the federal government to address potential difficulties in oil and fuel supply. According to information in the Blick newspaper, lowering the maximum speed limit on highways to 80 kilometers per hour is among the proposals if fuel shortages reach critical levels.
Authorities estimate that by reducing speed, vehicle fuel consumption can be lowered and strategic oil stocks can be preserved for a longer period. The Swiss government has also authorized the release of up to 45 million liters of diesel fuel from mandatory fuel reserves following a disruption in the supply balance of the petroleum products market. It was reported that this amount corresponds to approximately 4 percent of the country's strategic reserves.
INCENTIVE FOR SURRENDERING DRIVER'S LICENSES IN MALTA
Malta, on the other hand, has resorted to a different method to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Within the scope of the "Driver's License Surrender Program" implemented in the country, it is planned to provide a cash incentive payment of approximately 1.5 million TL to young drivers who voluntarily give up their right to operate motor vehicles.
It was reported that an annual budget of 5 million euros has been allocated for the program, and a maximum of 1,000 drivers can benefit from the application each year. Application conditions include being 30 years old or younger, holding a valid driver's license for at least 1 year, and having resided in Malta for at least 7 consecutive years.
Those participating in the program must commit to not driving for 5 years in order to receive the payments in annual installments. Those who wish to drive again before this period expires are required to return the payment received, and those who wish to get behind the wheel at the end of the period are required to complete at least 15 hours of driving training.
News Source: 12punto
