Antwerp puts the brakes on classic cars: Historic cars to be banned from the city's low emission zone!
From April 27, 2024, the environmental zone policy in Antwerp will change fundamentally. The city council has decided to restrict access to the low emission zone (LEZ) for classic cars.
This change, which is part of several adjustments to the LEZ access conditions, provides for restrictions for vehicles older than 40 years. Previously, these classic cars had unrestricted access to the LEZ. However, the Council of State has decided that there is no justification for relaxing the access conditions for this category of vehicle.
Antwerp city councillor Tom Meeuws explained that classic cars are now only allowed to enter the low emission zone twelve times a year. This restriction is a blow to the owners of classic cars, who previously had the freedom to drive these vehicles within the city limits.
The decision is part of a broader initiative to reduce air pollution in the city. By 2035, only cars and vans that run on electricity or hydrogen will be allowed to enter the LEZ. By then, all public transport buses in the low emission zone are to be emission-free by 2027.
Although the measure may seem tough for classic car owners, the authorities emphasize that the overarching goal is to improve air quality and make the city more environmentally friendly.
Despite the ban, the city has increased the number of applications for day passes to twelve per year - not just for classic cars, but for all vehicles that are not normally allowed to enter the low emission zone. This increase from the previous eight per year provides some leeway for those affected by the changes.