Why a Hybrid Policy Package and a Comprehensive Scrappage Program Are Now Essential

Khodrocar - The rapid growth of internal combustion vehicles over recent decades and society’s heavy reliance on this mode of transportation have created significant challenges for the environment, public health, urban economies, and energy security. One of the most critical issues is the continued use of old and high-emission vehicles—cars and motorcycles that produce a disproportionately high share of pollutants and fuel consumption.

Today, many major cities around the world are transitioning toward clean mobility powered by electrification and low-emission fuels. This global shift requires strict regulations on internal combustion fleets and effective vehicle scrappage programs. Studies show that an aging vehicle can emit up to 20 times more pollutants than a modern, standard-compliant model. These vehicles release harmful compounds such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons—major contributors to urban air pollution. Such emissions are directly linked to increased cases of asthma, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and premature deaths.

Internal combustion fleets are also responsible for millions of tons of annual CO₂ emissions. Since old vehicles have significantly lower fuel efficiency, they contribute more aggressively to greenhouse gas emissions. Limiting and phasing out these vehicles is therefore a critical step toward low-carbon economies and fulfilling national climate commitments.

Air pollution imposes substantial hidden costs on national economies—rising healthcare expenses, reduced workforce productivity, infrastructure damage, and increased government spending on environmental and health initiatives. Research indicates that scrapping a single old vehicle can indirectly save billions of tomans in these economic burdens.

On average, an old vehicle consumes two to three times more fuel than a modern one. In countries where fuel subsidies claim a large portion of the national budget, continuing to operate these vehicles wastes valuable public resources. Removing low-efficiency vehicles significantly reduces national fuel consumption, eases pressure on refineries, and creates opportunities for energy export or more efficient allocation.

Large-scale scrappage initiatives not only reduce pollution but can also stimulate the automotive, parts, and recycling industries. Establishing standardized scrappage centers, increasing demand for clean and electric vehicles, and expanding shared mobility services will ultimately generate new employment opportunities.

Achieving meaningful reductions in pollution and accelerating fleet renewal requires a coordinated set of restrictions and incentives. These include urban access limitations, tax and economic policies such as higher levies on high-emission vehicles, and discounts and financial incentives for purchasing clean or electric cars. Strengthening vehicle inspection systems by shortening inspection validity for older vehicles, tightening emissions testing criteria, and banning non-compliant vehicles are also essential.

However, restrictions alone are insufficient, as part of the population is economically dependent on older vehicles. Strengthening scrappage infrastructure is therefore vital. This includes establishing high-capacity, standardized scrappage centers, monitoring the recycling process to prevent the reentry of worn-out parts into the market, and creating incentive mechanisms for turning in old vehicles.

Fleet renewal can be supported through low-interest loans, subsidies for purchasing fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, trade-in programs allowing old vehicles to count toward the cost of new ones, and reduced import tariffs on clean vehicles. To prevent corruption or market abuse, a transparent digital system for registering and tracking the entire scrappage process—from delivery to dismantling and final recycling—must be implemented.

The experience of successful nations proves that restrictions on internal combustion vehicles are effective only when paired with strengthened clean-transport infrastructure: expanding fast and public charging networks, growing electric public transit fleets, supporting electric motorcycles, and modernizing taxi and freight fleets. These actions not only reduce pollution but also cut fuel costs and ease traffic congestion.

Air pollution and excessive energy consumption remain among the most pressing challenges facing countries today. A major share of this problem stems from widespread use of internal combustion vehicles—especially aging cars and motorcycles. Global evidence confirms that intelligent restrictions combined with a comprehensive scrappage and fleet-renewal program are the most effective tools for cutting emissions, improving air quality, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing public health.

Therefore, designing and implementing a hybrid policy package—combining mobility restrictions, economic incentives, strict legal enforcement, and expansion of clean transport infrastructure—is a strategic necessity for sustainable urban development and protecting the health of future generations.