January 2022
Nitrogen oxide (NOx)
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) is a collective term for gaseous compounds, the most important of which are nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Together with hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides are responsible for the formation of ozone. They also contribute to the formation of particulate matter.
Baden-Württemberg: Limit values are complied with
In Baden-Württemberg, measures against particulate matter and nitrogen pollution in the air are taking effect. Ludwigsburg is the only exception.
Largest zero emission zone planned in Germany
Since August 2020, the shopping street Friedrichstrasse in Berlin's Mitte district has been a zone closed to cars, with a double bike lane running through the middle. According to the ideas of Berlin's new transport senator Jarasch (Greens), this zone is to be considerably extended.
Deutsche Post phases out electric vehicles
Deutsche Post DHL Group set itself the goal some time ago of phasing out its vehicles with internal combustion engines and building up an electric fleet instead. And yet electric vans are now being phased out again.
Brenner Pass: High costs for old vehicles
The governor of South Tyrol has submitted a concept to the government in Rome that is intended to re-regulate transit traffic over the Brenner Pass. The digital system is supposed to make traffic more environmentally friendly and the air cleaner.
Particulate matter (PM)
Air quality in Germany has improved over the years, also with regard to particulate matter emissions. And yet new driving bans could be imminent.
New rules for low emission zones in January 2022
The new year is barely a few days old, but already there are important changes in the environmental zones in many European cities. Often the changes only affect individual cities, but sometimes they affect entire countries. But some tightening has been postponed, on the one hand because pollutants have decreased due to the pandemic-related decrease in traffic, and on the other hand because drivers want to be given enough time to adjust to innovations in difficult times. Green-Zones® lists the new rules for January.
Speed limit 30 throughout Germany?!
The Berlin Senate has now evaluated a model test in which five busy main roads in Berlin were designated as 30 km/h zones. The results of the test are now available: Speed limit 30 reduces pollutant emissions. The Belgian capital Brussels is also highly satisfied after one year of 30 km/h speed limits.
Stuttgart: Diesel driving bans are successful
Due to court rulings on the grounds of excessive nitrogen dioxide content, Stuttgart had to introduce diesel driving bans in January 2019: Vehicles with Euro 4 and below have not been allowed to enter since then. In Stuttgart's city centre and the districts of Bad Cannstatt, Feuerbach and Zuffenhausen, an even stricter regime has been in place since July 2020: on some roads there, only Euro 5 and above are allowed to drive.
Firecracker ban ensures clean air
From the point of view of the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the nationwide ban on the sale of fireworks and firecrackers on New Year's Eve was a complete success. However, it only refers to the pollution by fine dust, which has dropped by 90 per cent in many places.