For more climate protection: new lorry toll could also contribute to better air quality in cities
From December 2023, the lorry toll is to be linked to CO2 emissions. This is intended to incentivise more climate protection and reduce emissions. 200 euros will be due per tonne of CO2. The revenue from the toll is to be invested primarily in the railways in order to be able to transport more goods by rail again in future.
Antwerp's low emission zone policy: more exemptions and social tariffs for non-residents
From 27 April 2024, more people, including non-residents of Antwerp, will be entitled to an exemption or a social tariff in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) of Antwerp, Belgium. The Flemish government is making adjustments to the access conditions for the LEZ in Antwerp and Ghent. These changes are aimed at making the LEZ more social, according to Tom Meeuws (Vooruit), Councillor for the Environment.
Electric car shock: Switzerland reveals astronomical costs and tax losses due to EV boom!
Switzerland has announced it will abolish tax incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) from January 1, 2024, amid concerns over rising tax losses due to the EV boom. Importers of electric vehicles will now have to pay a tax levy of four percent of the vehicle's import price. This removes the tax exemption that has been in place since 1997.
The remarkable impact of low emission zones on air quality in London
Air quality in London has improved significantly over the last 15 years thanks to the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). This initiative to reduce air pollution has not only improved air quality in the city, but has also contributed to improved public health and economic savings.
Antwerp puts the brakes on classic cars: Historic cars to be banned from the city's low emission zone!
From April 27, 2024, the environmental zone policy in Antwerp will change fundamentally. The city council has decided to restrict access to the low emission zone (LEZ) for classic cars.
Stockholm dares to ban combustion engines from 2025!
Stockholm is the first city in Europe to ban combustion engines from part of the city centre with a comprehensive zero-emission zone. After persistent protests prevented such a ban zone in the historic old town of Gamla Stan, the so-called "Low Emission Zone 3" for the city centre is now a done deal.
Camera System for Low Emission Zones: Surveillance State or Necessary Digitalisation?
As a pioneer in Germany, Munich wants to use camera systems for the first time to record environmental zone offenders and make them pay. In other countries, the monitoring of environmental zones has been digital for a long time. This makes them more reliable and tends to make the air cleaner. But in the case of Munich, there is much criticism.
Electric gate: Are car manufacturers deliberately deceiving on range?
The range of electric cars is a decisive factor when buying. But most cars never reach the manufacturers' specifications. Sales tricks to make the cars more attractive? The manufacturers reject the suspicion of deliberate deception. While the EU is still on the side of the manufacturers, things are getting tight for Tesla in the USA.
Trucks locked out: Austria temporarily closes Tauern motorway to freight traffic
Extended driving bans at weekends and spontaneous all-day closures for trucks on weekdays: In the next two years, truck drivers will have to prepare for enormous obstructions on the Tauern motorway from Salzburg to Villach. Transit traffic is likely to be the main victim of the tunnel work.
Grossly negligent! DUH sues Munich over diesel driving ban
The city of Munich is once again facing legal action over the diesel driving ban. Deutsche Umwelthilfe and Verkehrsclub Deutschland have filed a lawsuit with the Bavarian Administrative Court. They call the suspension of the driving bans for Euro 5 a transparent election campaign manoeuvre.