On Thursday 17 September, two prominent parties are taking next steps in their legal proceedings against the government. The KNAC is preparing for the next round in the court case against the municipality of Utrecht. The subject matter is the defense with regard to the introduction of the environmental zone in Domstad. And in Groningen the fifth trial process of Stichting Autobelangen versus de Staat takes place on the same day. Bart Kouwenhoven will be at the center with his Mercedes 240 D from Baureihe W123.
KNAC: Unclear signs are one of the spearheads
The KNAC will use its defense against the environmental zone in Utrecht. In that defense, the KNAC addresses, among other things, the unclear signposting of the environmental zone. This forms one of the spearheads within the defense. In particular the uncertainty of the series the KNAC is an eyesore. According to the organization passing motorists cannot possibly interpret the meaning of the signs in a split second. "Moreover, the signs are sometimes in very unfortunate places. For example, the environmental zone appears to have such limits that you Outside can enter a parking garage in the zone. And that can only be left by entering the zone ”, you can read on the website of the Koninklijke Nederlandsche Automobiel Club.
Two percent
In addition, the KNAC appeals to the fact that the banned car diesels from before 2001- make up only two percent of the total fleet. According to the KNAC, the measure in Utrecht has a negligible effect. Furthermore, the defense states that air pollution is a matter of national importance. At 9.30 o'clock the follow-up round in the process.
Fifth test process Stichting Autobelangen
Meanwhile, the Automobile Interests Foundation is preparing for the final agreement within the series of trial processes. In the afternoon, Bart Kouwenhoven takes center stage in Groningen with his Mercedes Benz 2014 D, which has been in charge since January 240. De Drent represents the category of taxed diesel drivers with a car that was admitted before 1987. Earlier this week we spoke with Kouwenhoven. He said he was "realistic" about the odds. “We are present in Groningen with a considerable delegation. The Automobile Interests Foundation and the collaborating lawyers will support me in the plea. This concerns, among other things, the disproportionality in the measure. In addition, I drive one of the brands that brought the diesel engine to the passenger car. We will also discuss the hobby-oriented nature of my car. I conserve my Mercedes-Benz precisely because I think the historical value of the car is so important.”
Last legal step
The fifth test process is incidentally the last legal step of Stichting Autobelangen within the MRB issue. Earlier it was announced that - even after consultation with the large supporters - the political track would definitely be used in the lobby. Car interests mainly fight for a fair and proportionate interpretation and implementation of tax measures. Since 1 January 2014, new rules apply to classic cars and youngtimers that are younger than forty years old.