Outdated laws block car-sharing in Sweden, report warns

Outdated legislation is significantly impeding the expansion of car-sharing services in Sweden, according to a new report by Trafikutredningsbyrån (The Transport Analysis Agency). The current laws, originating from the 1950s, do not account for modern needs, preventing municipalities from reserving public parking spaces for car pools.

Pelle Envall, an investigator at the consulting firm Trafikutredningsbyrån, stated that the legislation "was written in the 50s and never took this into account." This lack of legal framework makes it difficult for car-sharing operators to establish themselves and for users to access the services easily. Consequently, car pools are often relegated to less visible and more expensive garage locations, undermining their accessibility and competitiveness.

The report, "Car Pool Parking on Public Land," commissioned by the innovation program Shift Sweden, emphasizes the potential of car sharing. Research indicates that each car-sharing vehicle can replace between four and eleven privately owned cars, freeing up valuable urban space and reducing car dependency. This aligns with broader goals for sustainable transport, climate action, and a more equitable transportation system.

Despite previous calls for legislative changes, including a 2020 government inquiry, no action has been taken. Cities like Stockholm have seen politicians demanding legal reform, while Gothenburg has experimented with creative, albeit slow and bureaucratic, solutions to circumvent the issue. The current situation means Sweden is missing a crucial tool for promoting sustainable mobility and increasing transport options for its citizens.