Baden-Württemberg abolishes environmental zones?!

While the European Union and the World Health Organisation continue to move towards a sustainable climate policy and demand stricter limits for air pollutants, the green-black state government from Stuttgart wants to abolish several air pollution regulations. Even the abolition of the particle filter obligation for construction machinery, as well as the abolition of existing environmental zones and truck through-flow bans, are on the agenda of Baden-Württemberg's Transport Minister Herrmann. A decision that worries many - especially because the region has the highest concentrations of pollutants nationwide.  

Among the harshest critics of the planned measures is certainly the German Environmental Aid (DUH), which has already filed a constitutional complaint "because of the official toleration of air pollution levels that are harmful to health". The cities of Karlsruhe, Heidelberg and Pfinztal in particular could soon have to deal with the consequences of abolishing the environmental zones, as no emissions-based driving bans will control air quality.  

Without low emission zones and drive-through bans, fears DUH Federal Executive Director Resch, an increase in the values measured in the future for particulate matter and nitrogen oxide would come as no surprise. According to estimates by the environmental association, such a development would be almost unavoidable if the state of Baden-Württemberg were to push ahead with the reduction plan. Since about four percent of all diesel cars are likely to be on the road again as old vehicles without a 'green sticker' according to official figures. Even 21% more vehicles on the roads in the case of trucks. Which could lead to a total increase in NO2 pollution of 13%.  

DUH therefore emphatically calls on those responsible in the authorities and the state government to distance themselves from the plans. And reminds that the traffic measures under discussion - besides the already valid reason of environmental protection - actually serve to protect human health from dangerous air pollutants. For this very reason, the state government should not only abandon the idea of abolishing all environmental zones and emission-dependent traffic restrictions, but should instead strengthen and expand the regulations already in place. After all, this is the demand from the European Union within the framework of the Climate Plan.  

Whether and when exactly the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport will take the step and abolish existing environmental zones, you can find out here.