New EU air quality regulations: Hundreds of new low emission zones and driving bans possible
In its constant endeavour to protect the health of its citizens and the environment, the European Union has introduced a new set of air quality regulations. Following intensive negotiations between the European Parliament and representatives of the Member States, an agreement has been reached: The limit values for various air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, are to be significantly reduced by 2030. This reform has far-reaching implications for low emission zones in Europe.
The EU has already made considerable progress in improving air quality in recent decades. The introduction of low emission zones in large cities, in which older vehicles with higher emissions are no longer allowed to drive, has significantly reduced pollution levels. Hoovers have even been installed in particularly polluted areas to reduce particulate pollution. However, despite these measures, air pollution and the resulting health problems are still serious.
A limit value of 20 micrograms per cubic metre of air was agreed for nitrogen dioxide, which is half the current level of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. For ultrafine particles (PM 2.5), the limit value was set at 10 micrograms per cubic metre; it is currently 25 micrograms. The new regulations are an important step towards a healthier and more sustainable future. They are part of the EU action plan "Zero pollutants in air, water and soil", which is to be presented in 2021.
The impact of this reform on low emission zones in Europe will be significant. It is to be expected that the stricter limit values will lead to a further tightening of the rules for low emission zones. This could lead to driving bans for certain types of vehicles or even to an expansion of the environmental zones. These measures could meet with resistance, especially from the automotive industry and agriculture, which will be particularly affected by the stricter regulations. But regardless of this, people's health and well-being must be the top priority. Current data shows that air pollution is responsible for around 300,000 deaths in the EU every year. The new limit values are a decisive step in the fight against this health crisis.
However, the new regulations have also been criticised. Although the new limits are stricter than the previous ones, they fall short of the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). It therefore remains to be seen whether the EU will take even more ambitious measures to improve air quality in the future and whether even more driving bans will be introduced.