Tag: Combustion engines

Attention low emission zones in Belgium: Up to 350 euro fine!

Belgium has drastically tightened its low emission zones for vehicles in major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent since 2022, with further restrictions planned for 2025. Anyone driving in these cities must expect a fine of up to 350 euros. This regulation applies not only to local drivers, but also to foreign drivers. In all three cities, there is an environmental zone in which certain vehicles are not allowed to drive. Cameras monitor compliance with the rules by recording and comparing the licence plates of vehicles.

E-fuels as an alternative to electric - what is the current status?

The discussion about sustainable mobility has recently focussed increasingly on e-fuels. E-fuels, synthetic fuels obtained by reversing the combustion process, have the potential to offer a climate-friendly alternative to electric drives. However, their environmental compatibility and energy balance still need to be investigated further.

Emissions from the construction industry: first steps towards the zero emissions target

Construction sites and the construction industry itself are major emitters of CO2, particulate matter and other substances that contribute to air pollution in environmental zones and urban centres in general. However, the industry has already taken important steps towards zero emissions and climate neutrality: construction vehicles are becoming increasingly electric!

Fines chaos in London: Thousands of fines invalid?

The Dutch organisation Transport in Noord wants to sue London for unlawful fines. These were recently sent in bulk to traffic offenders in recent years. A florist was retroactively fined 400,000 euros. If the lawsuit is upheld, fines totalling one billion euros could become invalid. Despite legal hurdles and high costs, the London case shows us the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Electromobility as a solution - now is the time for change!

Discrimination against SUV drivers: Paris triples parking fees for heavy cars

It's hard to believe: The city of Paris is planning to triple the parking fees for heavy cars. A targeted attack on SUV drivers, who in future will have to pay 18 euros per hour when they park their vehicle in the French capital. Once again, it is the drivers who are being asked to pay - and this time it is the owners of large cars who are being hit particularly hard.

Electric flop: buses in Oslo break down in the cold

100 million euros in the sand - or snow. That is the sad result of the first onset of winter in Oslo. After the city invested this enormous sum in new electric buses in the spring, they have now simply broken down in the cold. Instead of emission-free local transport, the city has thrown a lot of money down the drain. It remains to be seen what the manufacturer Solaris will now do to avert the debacle.

Berlin is suffocating: Air quality and political failures

Air pollution in Berlin has reached an alarming level. The air quality index (LQI) ranked dangerously high on 6 December 2023. A sad reality that shows us the catastrophic effects of our political decisions. This city, which once wanted to shine with the construction of cycle lanes, many green spaces and pedestrian zones, has taken a different path and is increasingly suffocating in car smog.

The ups and downs of the e-parking policy in Schwandorf: a farce by the authorities?

It's hard to believe, but it's true: in Schwandorf, e-cars have been exempted from parking charges until the end of 2023. A tempting offer that was supposed to encourage many people to switch to the environmentally friendly option. However, this offer has now been abruptly cancelled, despite the rising number of e-cars. A move that raises questions and casts doubt on the credibility of the city council.