High-emission tractors and trucks will power carnival wagons in German cities again this year - including in Munich, where new driving bans on internal combustion vehicles have been in force since the beginning of the month. Will the carnival tradition also become greener in the coming years?
Plug-in hybrid models emit more CO2 in city and commuter traffic than stated - this is shown by a study by Transport & Environment (T&E). The environmental organisation is now calling for an end to tax breaks for part-time electric vehicles.
Current measurements in Germany and France show elevated levels of particulate matter. Advance warnings are active in Paris and other French cities and departments. The health risk for the population should not be underestimated.
The lawsuit of the German Environmental Aid (DUH) failed at the Regional Court I in Munich. The car company will not be obliged to register any more combustion engine cars from 2030. However, this could still change in the future - at the latest with the introduction of Zero Emission Zones.
There seems to be no solution in sight to the issue of traffic management on the Brenner Pass. Above all, the volume of lorry traffic is unmanageable for Austria and neighbouring countries. Tyrol's FPÖ leader is calling for the closure of the A13 Brenner motorway in case of emergency and thus for complete truck driving bans.
As part of a project to promote electromobility, the Berlin district of Spandau soon wants to make it possible to charge e-cars at street lamps. This should increase the charging possibilities for e-car drivers without overloading the power grid too much.
The transport senate announced the planned introduction of some traffic-free streets for next summer. The Green parliamentary group in Pankow is already joining the initiative and naming the first locations.
This month, transport and climate policy makers in Germany, England and France are again focusing on the introduction or tightening of low emission zone regulations, diesel driving bans and car-free days - with the aim of reducing pollutant emissions on the roads and improving air quality in terms of environmental and health protection. Green-Zones® lists the new rules for February.
A new diesel driving-ban-zone comes into force today in the Bavarian capital. With a three-stage plan, this will aim to reduce air emissions over the coming months and years - and keep them below the limit values. Will the city succeed in pushing through its plan despite the criticism?
Many additional costs are hidden behind the preparation of the car industry for the future emission standards. VDA and car companies warn of the economic and commercial risks for the industry.
