An Analysis of the Current Structure of Means of Transport in Poland in Terms of Emission Performance

Purpose: This study analyses the current structure of the means of road transport in Poland in the context of emission performance and transition to sustainable mobility. Its main aim is to present numerical data for key categories of vehicles from the decarbonisation perspective, i.e. buses and trucks, as well as to formulate conclusions concerning the presence or absence of a qualitative improvement in these means of transport, as well as the nature of these qualitative changes, if any. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is based on secondary data sources, mainly the literature of the subject, statistical data from SAMAR reports with regard to the automotive market as well as statistical information from EUROSTAT. It employs a method involving the analysis of the structure and dynamics of phenomena related to the Polish road transport stock. Findings: Statistical analysis allowed us to conclude that the structure of the means of transport in the Polish road transport sector has seen a noticeable qualitative improvement over the past 10 years, which involved the introduction of vehicles that comply with stricter exhaust gas emission standards, as well as vehicles with other sources of propulsion than internal combustion engines. Still, high-emission vehicles prevail in the sector. The scale of qualitative changes in the structure of the means of road transport in terms of emission performance (types of propulsion) is not permanent. Practical Implications: The analyses carried out in this study reveal the condition of the Polish road transport sector in the context of zero-emission and low-emission transport. This type of study may provide a clear signal for decision-makers that the current steps are insufficient to achieve the set decarbonisation targets. Originality/Value: The overall picture emerging from the analysis is not optimistic. The stock of vehicles in Poland’s road transport is dominated by long used or old vehicles, which means that these vehicles have been in service for a long time and that they have poor emission performance, which is disadvantageous in the context of road transport decarbonisation targets.