Marco Okhuizen ANP
There is growing support for more action to reduce the use of fossil fuels because of soaring prices and looming shortages driven by the war in the Middle East, and two thirds of the Dutch back a return to car-free Sundays, according to RTL members panel research.
Car-free Sundays were a common occurrence in the Netherlands in 1973 and 1974 because of the energy crisis, and returned again a handful of times some 30 years later as an environmental awareness measure.
The RTL poll found 82% support more working from home, as during the coronavirus pandemic, but say their bosses are not in favour. Two in three are also prepared to lower speed limits by 10 kph.
But fewer than half are willing to carpool to get to work or switch to public transport – particularly those living in rural areas where buses and train services are less convenient or take longer.
The International Energy Agency warned last month that an energy crisis is looming and warned governments to prepare their citizens. The Dutch government has so far declined to take any concrete steps.
The cabinet has outlined options in a letter to MPs, including an emergency fund, energy allowances, a temporary cut in energy tax or a price cap, but said that these are only being explored in case the conflict continues and the effects worsen.
A litre of diesel in the Netherlands now costs around €2.70, while petrol is around ten cents a litre cheaper. Three in 10 panel members said they have taken steps to reduce their own fuel usage.
The research involved 18,500 people and took place at the beginning of April.
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