March 2023
Germany: Higher truck tolls from 2024
On 1 January 2024, the truck toll for commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes is to increase. In this way, the traffic light coalition wants to accelerate work on the motorway network and at the same time financially support the expansion of the railway infrastructure.
Transportation turnaround: EU prevents intermodal freight transport?!
The development of intermodal freight transport, key to the transport turnaround in the logistics sector, is being held back by regulatory and technical hurdles. EU Court of Auditors criticises the lack of a centralised plan for expansion and promotion. What does the EU want to do now to make freight transport more sustainable?
Berlin: Climate referendum fails - What now?
The city is obliged to achieve climate neutrality no earlier than 2045. That was the result of the referendum on Sunday 27 March, which would have made it possible to amend the state's energy transition law to bring forward the climate neutrality targets. Not enough Berliners voted for it.
Germany-wide driving bans for diesel cars?
A study brings alarming results and shows that most diesel vehicles actually conceal their actual emissions through defeat devices. Up to 150 car models from different manufacturers could be affected. How will the authorities act? Will more diesel driving bans and environmental zones be introduced?
Emissions Scandal: Devastating Ruling by the ECJ
The ECJ ruling on the diesel emissions scandal has caused a sensation: the use of the so-called "thermal window" in diesel cars was declared illegal. Up to 10 million owners of diesel cars are affected by the ruling. What impact will it have on other manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz?
Marseille: Maritime environmental zone
Once again, the city, in cooperation with environmental associations, is calling for the creation of a maritime environmental zone off the coast of Marseille. Above all, ships with the environmentally harmful "scrubber filter" should be banned. This is because they do not prevent water pollution, but contribute to it.
Germany: Transport misses climate targets
In 2022, Germany met its climate targets in terms of total greenhouse gases released. However, not all sectors are on the right track. The transport sector in particular, with its annually rising emissions, is causing concern among experts.
Germany: Green reform of the commuter subsidy?
The Green parliamentary group proposes an eco-social reform of the commuter allowance - with the aim of having transport emissions and government spending reduced at the same time. In future, commuters who use environmentally harmful vehicles such as internal combustion engines will only be entitled to a reduced commuter allowance.
Fine dust alarm: Above limit value worldwide
A study shows the extent of the global pollution problem. Only a fraction of the earth's population would live safely from the health effects of air pollutants. It is time for a more decisive climate policy.
Switzerland: Too many defective diesels on the road
Numerous emissions tests have found defects in the diesel particulate filters of many internal combustion vehicles. The Swiss Automobile Association (AGVS) is sounding the alarm: one in five diesel cars could pollute the air more than is permitted under the emission limits.