Municipal environmental management, 2008

Motor traffic in uncultivated areas is banned in principle. However, under the Motor Traffic and Environment Act, local government authorities may grant exemptions from this rule and allow motor traffic for certain purposes. No data on actual traffic are available, but KOSTRA provides information on exemptions granted by local government authorities.

Despite a slight increase in the number of exemptions granted, the total number of exemptions valid in 2008 was lower than in 2007 (see table 1). However, the share of granted applications increased from 92 per cent in 2007 to 93 per cent in 2008.

Municipal land conservation

The conservation of areas for environmental purposes is generally regulated by legal acts administered by central government. However, the Planning and Building Act gives municipalities the opportunity to protect areas of special value against development. In 2008, about 11 per cent of all plans adopted contained areas protected by the municipality. This is slightly higher than the previous year.

For general information on KOSTRA, see http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/00/00/20/kostra_en/ .

See also: Land use planning in municipalities and counties, final figures .

Tables:

• Table 1 Processing of applications for exemptions under the Act relating to motor traffic on uncultivated land and in water courses
• Table 2 No. of plans relating to municipal preservation of cultural heritage and protection of nature
• Table 3 Municipal expenses, revenues and investments within recreation in urban areas (function 335) and nature management and outdoor recreation (function 360). NOK 1 000
• Table 4 Municipal expenses, revenues and investments within protection of cultural heritage (function 365). NOK 1 000
• Table 5 Gross operating expenses, operating revenues and investments in outdoor recreation (function 716). County authorities. NOK 1 000
• Table 6 Gross operating expenses, operating revenues and investments in cultural heritage (function 750). County authorities. NOK 1 000