BREAKING NEWS: New limits in EU could result in thousands of new environmental zones!
The permitted values for particulate matter and nitrogen oxide are to be adjusted to the latest limit values of the WHO. These are many times lower than current EU standards. The cities must make massive improvements and take measures in the next few years. Otherwise, the EU could soon be plastered with environmental zones.
Only a quarter as much nitrogen oxide may soon be measured on the roads in the EU for the air to really be considered clean. For small particulate matter (PM2.5) it is even only one fifth, for larger particles (PM10) not quite one third. In addition, the EU calls on its member states not to take measures only when air pollution is too high, but to develop detailed plans on how to prevent limit values from being exceeded in the first place.
Nitrogen oxides are produced in cities primarily by diesel vehicles. Particulate matter is produced by a wide variety of vehicles, both internal combustion engines and e-cars.
What does this mean for the future in European cities? For one thing, a big and important step will be taken to guarantee clean air, i.e. air that is truly safe for health. Up to 300,000 deaths can be prevented annually in the EU!
At the same time, we all have to rethink now! Cities must finally create more attractive offers to switch from cars to alternative means of transport. And we should think about how we can already make our contribution to better air quality: leave the car behind and take the bus and train instead, cycle, create green oases on balconies and in gardens, support local projects for alternative mobility. Because the new limits are coming. And if we don't go along with them, and if we don't succeed on our own and with positive incentives, we will soon be faced with hundreds or even thousands of new environmental zones, driving bans, speed limits, traffic-restricted areas and zero-emission zones.