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.
Further ban on combustion engines in Lyon - environmental lane to be extended in both directions
The A6 motorway will lose a lane at the entrance to Lyon, which may then only be used by certain vehicles. This is the result of preparatory work that began on 5 February 2024 to widen the existing lane (M6). The work is taking place at the junction of the A89 and the A6 (Limonest) north of Lyon and should be completed by 2 March 2024.
Diesel driving ban in Munich: Is the tightening coming after all?
In July last year, the people of Munich breathed a sigh of relief when Mayor Dieter Reiter announced that the EU limit value for nitrogen dioxide would only be exceeded in two places. A driving ban for Euro 5 diesel vehicles was therefore suspended for the time being from October 2023. But now the discussion about a diesel driving ban seems to have been reignited.
Bangkok suffocates in smog
Air pollution in the Thai metropolis of Bangkok is alarming. According to IQAir, a company specialising in international air quality monitoring, particulate matter levels are currently 15 times higher than recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This makes Bangkok one of the ten most polluted cities in the world.
Sandstorm and particulate matter: battling the elements in China
The relentless and unstoppable force of nature has once again manifested itself in China in the form of a massive sandstorm that has been raging in the north-west of the country since mid-February 2024. This force of nature, together with the existing fine dust pollution, poses major challenges for the world's most populous country.
Smog alert in northern Italy: driving bans for Milan and neighbouring provinces
High levels of particulate matter, poor air quality and tough measures: Milan and eight other provinces in northern Italy's Lombardy region are currently struggling with severe air pollution. In response to the alarming environmental situation, the authorities have adopted a series of restrictive measures. These affect not only citizens, but also motorists.
Olympic Games 2024: Paris postpones ZTL
Paris is preparing for the 2024 Olympics while taking measures to improve air quality and road safety. And how? By postponing the introduction of a traffic-calmed zone (ZTL) in the city center until after the games. A measure that takes into account both the logistical requirements of the major event and underlines the city's commitment to a sustainable and healthy urban environment.
Hanover low emission zone to be cancelled! What does this mean for air quality and the traffic turnaround?
From 22 February 2024, it will be official: the low emission zone in Hanover will be abolished. After 16 years of strict regulations for vehicles within the 4,300-hectare environmental zone between Sahlkamp, Süd-, West- and Messeschnellweg, you will no longer need a green sticker on your windscreen to drive into the city centre.
A speed limit rarely comes alone - now 50 km/h on Berlin's roads again?
Transport Senator Manja Schreiner (CDU) recently proposed lifting the speed limit on many main roads in Berlin. This is a departure from the previous regulation, according to which a speed limit of 30 km/h applies on 34 main roads. The speed limit was introduced a few years ago to improve air quality and is now to be largely lifted now that this goal has been achieved.
Technology battle against CO2 and climate change
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. With record temperatures and CO2 emissions in 2023, the 1.5-degree climate target seems to be receding ever further into the distance. In this situation, carbon capture and storage technology (CCS) is increasingly coming into focus. This is a technology for capturing and storing CO2 underground, which was a rather theoretical option for a long time, but is now becoming increasingly important due to the pressure to act to save the climate.