Norwegian cars have become two years older on average since the turn of the millennium, according to figures NAF has obtained from Statistics Norway. In 1999, the average age of the car fleet in Norway was 9.9 years. In 2023, it had increased to 11 years.
– This is clearly a development that is going in the wrong direction. We know that newer cars are far safer in traffic than old cars. So this development is not good for traffic safety, says Nils Sødal, senior communications advisor at NAF in a press release.
Inland worst
The Nation has gained access to figures for each county, and here there are big differences. One county clearly stands out: Inlandet.
Here, the car fleet will be 14 years old on average in 2023. In Troms and Finnmark, it has an average of 12.6, while Nordland ends up just behind with 12.5 per cent.
The youngest car fleet can be found in Oslo, with only 7.6 per cent. It is a leap up to the second oldest, Viken with 10.2. In Vestland, which is the third youngest, the car fleet is 10.5 years old on average.
– There are far too many old cars on the roads. The safety of those who drive such old cars is worse than those who drive newer cars. In addition, older cars have higher emissions than newer cars, says Nils Sødal.
23 percent older than 16 years
In Norway, in 2023 there were almost 3 million passenger cars registered. 23 percent are 16 years or older.
NAF points out that newer cars prevent more fatal accidents. The most important reason why fewer people die in traffic is namely better safety in cars. Various types of safety equipment in cars have greatly increased in scope since the 1990s to the present day. It started with airbags and ABS brakes, while now we also have a lot of other safety equipment, NAF points out.
– Increasing age in the car fleet in Norway is not a good sign. When we know that new cars are safer than old cars, action must be taken to get the oldest, least road-safe and least environmentally friendly cars off the roads. That is why the scrap deposit must be set up, says Sødal.
