Although climate targets and advancing climate change repeatedly show the importance of introducing measures such as emission-related driving bans and environmental zones, a wave of discontent with anti-car measures is increasingly spreading in Europe. Especially in England and France, riots often break out - while some German cities simply repeal the green regulations. What are the future prospects for environmental zones?
In more and more German cities, environmental zones are disappearing. A decision criticised on the one hand by those who see their abolition as a premature step. On the other hand, the news of the abolitions leaves citizens of other countries confused and worried - as they, on the other hand, are increasingly confronted with such measures, which, in their opinion, restrict their freedom of movement in road traffic. Indeed, a sense of resistance to anti-car measures such as environmental zones and driving bans has recently become widespread. Especially in France and England, the media speak of criticism, protests and riots.
More and more French people reject environmental zones, for example. This is shown by a survey of the CSA Institute, in which more than 10,000 French people were asked about their opinion on green measures. Because with the increase in knowledge, there is also more criticism. Especially when not only more and more low-emission zones are gradually being set up, but also because the rules have been tightened several times in the low-emission zones that were already set up a few years ago. This year, 51% of French people are in favour of low emission zones - in contrast to the 57% in 2022. Inevitably, opposition is greater among those who own an older vehicle: 62% of owners of vehicles with stickers 4, 5 or no classification criticise low emission zone regulations. However, even those who support environmentally protective instruments such as low emission zones and emission-related driving bans do not support them if monetary investments - for example to purchase a greener vehicle - are necessary. A third of those affected by driving bans do not have the budget to buy an electric car, whether new or used - the CSA study continues.
Aware of the emergence of a new protest front, the French government eased the conditions for implementation in some cases - and cities like Lyon, for example, are postponing the timetable for the bans. But introductions and tightening of regulations are still planned. Some 43 agglomerations with more than 150,000 inhabitants across France are to have an environmental zone by the beginning of 2025. To this end, France is considering further initiatives to facilitate the transition to low-traffic, low-emission areas. In the Paris region, for example, where stricter regulations are soon to come into force, Mayor Hidalgo is planning to provide an express bus network. This will be available to all residents of the Paris region who "have no alternative to the car" - explains the mayor - "and are annoyed by the future Low Emission Zone (ZFE) in Greater Paris". Nevertheless, even some politicians continue to push for a postponement of the next stage of the ban. Among others, Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, is also calling for a further postponement of the next stage of the driving ban by at least 18 months.
In Great Britain, too - besides the problem that the high fines for violations of the regulations of London's "ultra-low emission zone" are a source of concern for many motorists - dissatisfaction with environmental zones is growing. Following Mayor Sadiq Khan's decision to extend the low emission zone to the outer boroughs, many motorists have united in opposition to the British capital's transport policy. Because a thousand extra vehicles will thus have to pay £12.50 a day from August to drive cars that do not meet minimum standards. Further resistance is also expected as there is talk of further measures such as the introduction of a "pay-per-drive" system. Ambiguities about the regulations that actually apply and the hefty fines that follow for violations are also causing tensions to rise in London and the rest of the UK.
Not only low emission zones, but also other anti-car measures, such as the so-called LTNs ("Low Traffic Neighbourhoods") find resistance among British citizens. The regulation is now particularly controversial in London, as reports show that almost 240 ambulances have been held up due to these low-traffic neighbourhoods and have been delayed in reaching emergency services. Pressure is therefore high for politicians to abolish it. In other cities such as Oxford, Brighton, Bath, St. Andrews, Newcastle and Tyne and Leith (Edinburgh), there is also unrest against existing or planned transport measures aimed at reducing car traffic and air pollution in the interests of climate protection. And there is also discontent in Glasgow. Here it is not private motorists and associations that complain about the anti-car measures, but charities.
Two homeless charities, Emmaus Glasgow and All2gethernow, are sceptical about the planned measures. From this June, the grace period for last year's tightened environmental zone will expire. Accordingly, all vehicles entering the Low Emission Zone will have to meet more environmentally friendly emission standards - with exemptions only for residents. Otherwise, there is a threat of a penalty charge. The two charities fear being forced off the road by low emission zone fines if the regulation comes into force later this year as planned. As their vans, which they rely on in their work, do not meet the requirements of the city's Low Emission Zone - and they will face an £85 per day charge to provide their services as usual. Donations are now being raised, thereby supporting the purchase of new energy-efficient vans and consequently the running of Emmaus and All2togethernow. But the two associations remain concerned and critical.
At the same time, many other non-European countries are planning to say goodbye to combustion engines - such as Canada, some US states and Chile. And this is despite the fact that such measures are not always welcomed with open arms there either. What lies ahead for the network of low emission zones in Europe? Will the critics of the measures win, or will politicians continue to push through the introduction and tightening of suitable low emission zone regulations in the interest of climate goals and a greener environmental and transport policy? Will low-emission zones be abolished more often, as is the case in some cities in Germany this year? Or will motorists have to deal more often with environmentally protective traffic measures? Developments over the coming months and years will determine the fortunes of the transport turnaround in the fight against climate change and the role that cities and countries will play in it.
Not to be forgotten, however, are all the low emission zones that are already active and affecting thousands of vehicles with their emission regulations - in England, France as well as the rest of Europe. As always, all the information is available on our website and in the Green Zones app.