The Swedish capital Stockholm has set itself an ambitious goal: From 2025, petrol and diesel cars are to be banned from the city centre. The EU Commission has given the green light for the introduction of a new low emission zone. But is the plan really feasible or just another symbolic political measure by the green-red coalition?
The newly introduced level 3 environmental zone already caused disagreement last year. The conservative opposition in the town hall accused the green-red coalition of turning the city centre into an experimental laboratory. They described the measure as ideological symbolic politics that would make the city centre less accessible and exclude people who could not afford an electric car.
It is undisputed that the introduction of the low emission zone could improve air quality in the city centre. But at what cost? While electric cars and low-emission gas-powered vehicles are still permitted, those who cannot afford them will be excluded from the new regulation.
Air pollution in major cities is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. But is a ban on petrol and diesel cars really the best solution? Will these drastic measures actually lead to an improvement in air quality or is it just a way of scoring political points?
Whether Stockholm can be a role model for other major cities with its radical approach is questionable. While the city is leading the way in environmental protection, other cities may find it difficult to implement similar measures. The implementation of such a low emission zone requires a comprehensive infrastructure for electric cars, including sufficient charging stations and differentiated parking fees.
It is also important to recognise that not everyone can afford an electric car. A ban on petrol and diesel cars could therefore lead to social inequalities and disadvantage those who cannot afford an electric car.
Will Stockholm succeed with its plans? It would be important for the city to consider the needs of all citizens and not just those who can afford an electric car.