2021
No speed limit in Germany
In Spain it has just been passed, in France the measure has existed for a long time: 30 km/h speed limit in cities and villages. Speed limits can significantly reduce the number of traffic fatalities and air pollution. The WHO is also in favour of it. In Germany, the idea falls on deaf ears.
Dangerous air pollution
In many big cities in Asia, air pollution is dramatic. High population density and many old vehicles contribute to this. Some existing driving bans and the new environmental zone in Singapore could spur a rethink.
Singapore introduces environmental zone
From 2028, old motorbikes will no longer be allowed to drive through Singapore. As an incentive to reduce the number of old two-wheelers, the government is already paying a bonus to all citizens who deregister their motorbikes. The new environmental zone is also intended to reduce the city's air pollution.
City centres soon car-free?
As early as next year, the mayor of Paris wants to make the city centre almost car-free. The city is thus following other metropolises in southern Europe. In Germany, citizens and politicians still oppose strict environmental zones in city centres.
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.