May 2021
Where are there environmental zones?
There are environmental zones in many regions of Europe. The EU has issued a directive that obliges its member states to keep the air clean. The environmental zones were therefore introduced by the individual states to protect their citizens from exhaust fumes and bad air. Some countries reduce only particulate matter, others additionally nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulphur dioxides or noise.
Madrid loses environmental zone
The permanently valid Madrid Central environmental zone is cancelled due to formal deficiencies. The zone had reduced air pollution by 22%. The city is now threatened with a fine from Brussels if it cannot reduce air pollution otherwise.
End of the environmental zones?
The environmental zone in Erfurt is history. After the particulate matter levels have been significantly improved in recent years, the Higher Administrative Court has now upheld the complaint of an Erfurt taxi driver. A victory at the expense of health.
End of the environmental zones?
The environmental zone in Erfurt is history. After the particulate matter levels have been significantly improved in recent years, the Higher Administrative Court has now upheld the complaint of an Erfurt taxi driver. A victory at the expense of health.
What is an environmental zone?
An environmental zone is an area in which only certain vehicles are allowed. If your vehicle does not meet the conditions of the zone, you are not allowed to enter. Environmental zones are primarily designed to regulate the exhaust gases emitted by cars and thus improve air quality. Therefore, the rules of an environmental zone are often linked to vehicle emissions.
Car ban for the climate?
The Constitutional Court has ruled that the federal government is not doing enough to protect the climate. According to the ruling, personal freedom is less important than the fight against global warming. Driving a car could also be drastically restricted.
The new era of air pollution
Zero-emission vehicles on the road, powered by electric, hydrogen and solar - this is the future. We also associate this with the idea of clean air, quiet vehicles and healthy and green cities. But with futuristic mobility comes a new era of air pollution. And it is still completely unregulated.
Despite environmental zones: Shipping and air traffic barely curbed
Air and sea traffic in Europe has an enormous volume, both in the tourism and logistics sectors. As a result, there are more and more environmental zones and measures to improve air quality at the (air) ports of Europe. But mostly only the cars are affected.
The Green-Zones Guide
Frankfurt: City toll only the beginning?
The traffic turnaround in Germany is only making slow progress. In order to reduce traffic in Frankfurt's city centre, a city toll is now to be introduced. This should also avert the threat of diesel driving bans.