Limit on non-electric vehicle usage
Cities across the U.S., including high-profile ones like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, are grappling with significant air pollution due to traffic congestion. This issue, however, isn’t confined to these metropolitan giants; it’s a widespread challenge that impacts numerous cities nationwide.
Internationally, some cities have pioneered the innovative approach of instituting car-free days, contributing to a marked improvement in air quality. While city authorities have yet to adopt such measures, there might be an untapped readiness among its citizens to embrace change.
Gunther Volvo Delray Beach in Florida recently carried out a survey of 3,000 respondents to gauge public support for limiting non-electric vehicle usage on certain days of the week in cities across America.
The survey found that over half (54%) of Americans would support limiting non-electric vehicle usage on certain days of the week to improve air quality in their city.
A significant number of Californians also voiced support for such measures, with 54% agreeing that banning cars in cities across California on specific days could enhance urban air quality.
Iowa’s citizens are at the forefront of efforts to improve air quality, with an impressive 85% indicating their willingness to transition away from vehicles with high fuel consumption in favor of more environmentally friendly options. Conversely, the residents of Rhode Island appear less inclined to forgo their less efficient cars–just 1 in 5 (20%) said they would be in favor of such measures:
The survey revealed a curious contradiction of environmental consciousness and personal compromise: a slight majority (52%) of drivers are open to the idea of carpooling with a complete stranger if it means contributing to the betterment of their city’s air quality. Yet, in a striking contradiction of priorities, half of the respondents confessed they would willingly embrace life in one of the top 10 most polluted cities for a chance to double their paycheck.
In a testament to the growing concern over air quality, over a quarter (26%) of drivers have steered clear of certain cities marred by pollution, while a significant 56% believe that owners of large, fuel-thirsty vehicles should shoulder an additional tax for their heavier environmental footprint.
