Speed limit 30 throughout Germany?!
The Berlin Senate has now evaluated a model test in which five busy main roads in Berlin were designated as 30 km/h zones. The results of the test are now available: Speed limit 30 reduces pollutant emissions. The Belgian capital Brussels is also highly satisfied after one year of 30 km/h speed limits.
Stuttgart: Diesel driving bans are successful
Due to court rulings on the grounds of excessive nitrogen dioxide content, Stuttgart had to introduce diesel driving bans in January 2019: Vehicles with Euro 4 and below have not been allowed to enter since then. In Stuttgart's city centre and the districts of Bad Cannstatt, Feuerbach and Zuffenhausen, an even stricter regime has been in place since July 2020: on some roads there, only Euro 5 and above are allowed to drive.
Firecracker ban ensures clean air
From the point of view of the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the nationwide ban on the sale of fireworks and firecrackers on New Year's Eve was a complete success. However, it only refers to the pollution by fine dust, which has dropped by 90 per cent in many places.
Truck scrappage scheme criticised
At the beginning of the year, the then Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) introduced a scrapping premium for trucks. The aim was to reduce pollutants on Germany's roads. Was the venture crowned with success?
Too many signs in Berlin cause confusion
A traffic restriction only really makes sense if it is signposted. But what happens if there are signs but no traffic restrictions? In Berlin, diesel drivers have to deal with exactly this problem.
Transport sector in Germany complies with targets
The trade association en2x Fuels & Energie has calculated that transport in Germany is adhering to the set limits for pollutant emissions. The association calculates consumption based on the sale of fuels from cars, aircraft and ships.
Tesla closes charging stations
As is well known, the lack of charging infrastructure is the biggest obstacle for many e-car drivers. Of course, this is also related to the crowding around the available charging stations. Tesla has now found a solution.
Hydrogen - fuel of the future
Around the globe, the demand for electric vehicles is growing. But more and more batteries also mean less and less lithium, which could actually be used up faster than expected. A dilemma that could be solved with hydrogen.
USA: Driving bans for combustion vehicles as early as 2026
The USA wants to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. One step in this direction is the new regulations on petrol consumption of cars. From 2026 onwards, car manufacturers must set up their vehicle fleets in such a way that the vehicles can cover an average of almost 90 kilometres on just under four litres of petrol. But now this target is on the brink of collapse.
Cable cars: The solution to traffic problems?!
The idea is not really new: a cable car that transports not only tourists in the mountains, but commuters in a big city. First examples were provided by Algiers, Kiel, La Paz, New York and Taipei. Transport planners in Germany are now examining in which German cities a cable car could be a useful addition to the existing network.