Air quality in Berlin is rising - and so are parking charges
A fresh breeze is blowing in the metropolis of Berlin - and that is to be taken literally. The environmental administration's new clean air plan shows that the air in the capital is getting cleaner, windier and yes, also more expensive. But what does this mean for residents and what does all this have to do with the new EU limits?
Air quality in Berlin has improved significantly in recent years. In particular, pollution levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful gas that can cause breathing difficulties, coughs and bronchitis, have fallen. For the third year in a row, the limit value for NO2 has been adhered to at all measuring stations. This success is due not least to the low emission zone that has been in place in Berlin for years.
However, it is not only nitrogen dioxide that is a problem, but also particulate matter. At high concentrations in the air, this can lead to respiratory, circulatory and nervous system problems. But there is good news here too: The annual limit value was last exceeded in 2003 and the short-term values have also been complied with since 2016.
These positive developments are important because the EU has set new limit values for air pollutants. These are stricter than before and are intended to help improve air quality in cities. Large cities such as Berlin are particularly challenged here, as air pollution is particularly high due to the high volume of traffic and dense population.
But what does this mean for the low emission zones that have been introduced in many cities to improve air quality? Unfortunately, they are only partially in place, but they are more important than ever. Without them, pollution levels would rise again, especially on busy roads. Faster cars mean more pollutants, which is why 30 km/h zones have been introduced in some places.
Another factor contributing to the improvement in air quality is the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads. These are increasingly replacing petrol vehicles and thus helping to reduce pollution.
But clean air comes at a price: parking in the city is becoming more expensive. Comprehensive paid parking within the S-Bahn ring is planned for the end of 2026. This should help to reduce car traffic in the city and thus further improve air quality.
Berlin is making progress in improving air quality. Nevertheless, the capital still has a lot of work ahead of it, as the new EU limits are demanding. This will be a challenge for many cities. And who knows, perhaps environmental zones that have already been abolished will be reactivated or completely new ones set up.