Oslo introduces studded winter tyre charge in order to improve air quality

Finland not considering similar measures, as overall effects are unknown

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On Tuesday, the Norwegian capital Oslo again introduced the studded winter tyre charge, which is collected from cars and heavier traffic alike.
      A day's charge for a car with studded tyres is 30 Krone (EUR 3.75). A monthly charge, in turn, amounts to 400 Krone (EUR 50), while the rate for the whole season until April 23rd is 1,200 Krone (EUR 150).
     
The studded winter tyre charge is collected inside the city limits. If a driver is caught driving without a valid winter tyre sticker, he is fined 750 Krone (EUR 94).
      The City of Oslo justifies the practice by saying that the city's air quality improved dramatically the last time the charge was levied.
     
Traffic counsellor Raisa Valli is a Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications expert on issues related to traffic, environmental policy, and environmental effects.
      She is not keen on the Oslo practice, and some of her Norwegian colleagues share her reservations.
      "In Finland, problems related to the use of studded tyres have been eased by drawing limits to the number of studs and the force of their bite", Valli explains.
      Before levying a toll on the use of studs, their effects should be looked into. For one, they coarsen the road surface, which, in turn, improves the grip of the so-called friction tyres.
      Valli points out that a charge might reduce the use of studded tyres, which, again, might lead to an increased need for sanding of the streets. This, in turn, would have a negative effect on air quality.
      "Finland has not considered such measures. The purpose of economic steering is to direct citizens towards certain behaviour. As the consequences of this behaviour are presently unknown, the charge is not seen as a relevant option."
     
There are plans to launch a research project into the complex relationship between the studded tyres, the particles they break off the street surface, noise levels, and the endurance and maintenance of the road surface, and what would be the optimum compromise.
      If the undertaking materialises, new information on the issue might become available in one to one and a half years' time.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Poor air quality caused by cold weather, street dust, and exhaust fumes troubles Helsinki residents (17.3.2005)

Helsingin Sanomat