The introduction of low emission zones is a hotly debated topic in Sweden, especially the introduction of low emission zone 3, which excludes certain vehicles from certain parts of the city. In Gothenburg and Stockholm, political decision-makers have different views on how this low emission zone should be implemented. While Stockholm wants to include all vehicles in the low emission zone, Gothenburg has decided to exclude buses from this regulation.
The city of Gothenburg has decided to exclude light and heavy buses from environmental zone 3. This means that only light and heavy goods vehicles are affected. This step is seen by many as a sensible one, as it takes reality into account. Anna Grönlund, branch manager of Bussföretat in Sweden, praises the decision of the politicians in Gothenburg and emphasizes how important it is to take the needs of the bus industry into account.
In contrast, the city of Stockholm's decision to include all vehicles in environmental zone 3 has been met with fierce criticism. Both the opposition and the industry fear that this could lead to a total ban on Class III buses, which would have a significant impact on public transport. Legal proceedings have been initiated to review the legality of the environmental zone 3 in Stockholm and a ruling is expected next year.
Gothenburg's decision to exclude buses from environmental zone 3 is supported by Sveriges Bussföreta, as this offers the opportunity to travel by bus in an environmentally friendly and communal way. The bus industry has difficulties in offering enough environmentally friendly buses that meet the requirements of environmental zone 3. By exempting buses from the environmental zone, people can continue to travel comfortably by bus without polluting the environmental zone.
Only purely electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and gas-powered vehicles in the Euro 6 emissions class are allowed to drive in low emission zone 3. Plug-in hybrids in emission class Euro 6 are permitted for heavy commercial vehicles, but not for passenger cars. Petrol and diesel-powered vehicles are not permitted in environmental zone 3. Gothenburg has decided to exempt buses from this regulation in order to support local public transport and ensure environmentally friendly travel options.
Overall, Gothenburg's decision to exempt buses from Low Emission Zone 3 is a smart and sensible approach that takes into account the needs of the bus industry and passengers. The city of Stockholm could learn from this example and rethink its plans for Low Emission Zone 3 so as not to compromise public transportation.
The coming year will show how the situation develops and whether the City of Stockholm will reconsider its plans for Low Emission Zone 3. In the meantime, the residents of Gothenburg can continue to travel by bus in an environmentally friendly way and enjoy the benefits of efficient and sustainable public transport.