PVV wants fewer gas stations and more highway charging stations
Supply sites
With electric cars becoming increasingly popular and diesel drivers already becoming a minority, freeway service stations need to be revamped, according to the government. The Netherlands has nearly 300 of these places, most of which are still dominated by traditional gas stations. That has to change, PVV Minister Madlener believes. He wants more charging stations, additional parking spaces (especially for trucks) and less space for old-fashioned gas stations. In a letter to the Lower House, he explains: “”Based on the current forecasts for the needs of road users, it seems that there will soon not be a need for a gas station at every service station.””
Permits
Starting in 2028, the licenses of more than 160 service stations will expire. The government wants to use that moment to shake things up. Whereas the government used to raffle them off, it now wants to auction them off. The idea? To get the best entrepreneurs on board, so that charging stations and stores will be of higher quality and there will be more competition.
It also changes the way permits are granted. Currently, charging stations and stores are often thrown together in one package. Soon an entrepreneur will be able to get a separate permit for a store, without being obliged to also install charging stations. And vice versa.
Roadmap
To manage this whole operation, a “road map” is being developed. This will show when and where the permits will be auctioned off. Not every service station spot will disappear immediately; some locations will remain undisturbed for the time being, depending on the need for charging stations. There will also be plans to make service stations smarter and safer. Think better parking facilities, clearer roads and enough room for trucks.