Montreal plans to introduce low emission zones

After the introduction of the first zone with an environmental badge in Germany in 2007, more than 400 environmental or zero-emission zones have now been established across Europe. The well-functioning European model is now also attracting attention on the other side of the Atlantic, where Montreal's mayor Valérie Plante is considering the creation of an environmental zone. Announced on 28 March 2022, the creation of the driving bans is supposed to be only the first step of a larger project. The goal of this, the city administration explains, is to completely transform downtown Montreal into an emission-free zone by 2030. Likewise, support from the Minister of the Environment was announced at the press conference. With 117 million dollars, the Canadian state is to provide financial assistance to Montreal's efforts in the fight against climate change. Environmental zones have indeed proven to be helpful not only in reducing air pollution and thus improving the quality of life of citizens. They also contribute positively to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Although the air quality, with a (US) AQI value of 25, is still classified as "good", environmental zones are also unavoidable for Montreal, he said. According to the chief executive of the organisation "Vivre en ville" Christian Savard, the city should follow the example of European cities and show a clear signal for greener mobility. A step-by-step approach is planned for the implementation of the project. Mayor Plante states that it is too early to give more detailed information. However, one should start with the evaluation of the existing infrastructures before testing on small but densely populated areas. Mobility analyst Andréanne Brazeau explains that it would make sense to initially deploy the system in areas with good public transport connections, where car ownership rates are lower. Equally important, she says, is an open exchange with citizens to demonstrate the benefits to the population before the low emission zone is extended to other areas of the city. Even business owners who are concerned about possible difficulties in delivering goods should not be adversely affected. In this context, Brazeau suggests, for example, that the delivery of products by polluting vehicles should only be allowed at certain times of the day. The Montreal Downtown Business Development Corporation has not yet commented on this. It is also unclear whether other Canadian cities will implement the model of low emission zones in the future.