The long-discussed tightening of the environmental zone regulations in the city centre have already led to an improvement in air quality a few days after coming into force. The nitrogen dioxide concentration at the measuring point on the busy Hope Street has been reduced by 27%. Will the green regulation - despite criticism - be effective in combating air pollution in Glasgow?
Tighter and new low emission zone rules, car-free Sundays and traffic-free roads for summertime. This month, the mobility world will again give space to green measures - in Scotland, France and Germany. But some cities are taking a step backwards - such as Berlin, where Friedrichstrasse will be reopened to car traffic. Green-Zones® lists the new low emission zone regulations and driving bans for June.
On 1 June, stricter low emission zone regulations come into force in the Scottish city of Glasgow. But the new measure is already raising doubts. For reports show that the stricter environmental zone could lead to increased traffic in other parts of the city - and consequently not reduce climate-damaging emissions, but only displace them.
Imagine driving along a scenic road on a sunny day and feeling the wind in your hair. Suddenly a car swerves into your lane and you have no time to react. Accidents of this kind happen frequently, and each one is a tragedy for those involved. However, new regulations requiring the installation of black boxes in all new cars in Germany are intended to prevent or minimise the damage caused by accidents. But what if the black boxes could also be used in the future to monitor emissions data and enforce environmental zones and driving bans?
Munich may not implement the second stage of its diesel driving ban due to improved air quality. The first stage, which came into force on 1 February, banned Euro 4 diesel vehicles from the Mittlerer Ring. The ban aims to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels and further driving bans are planned if levels do not improve. However, the readings in Landshuter Allee have improved significantly, so there is hope that further driving bans will not be necessary.
This is the conclusion of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) - concerned that wood-burning stoves and fireplaces release too much particulate matter during operation. According to a draft law of the Federal Cabinet, heating with wood could be permitted only on a restricted basis in the future.
The so-called traffic turnaround does not only mean sustainable mobility on the roads. The aviation industry must also reduce its emissions – and thus its negative impact on air quality and the environment. What will be the best green drive solution? E-fuels or fuel cells? Will environmental zones soon also regulate traffic in the air?
Graffiti that reduces particulate matter pollution in cities with and without environmental zones - that's unrealistic? That's exactly what the graffiti painted with special colours by street artist Alessandro Breveglieri do, because they can absorb pollutants and then release them back into the environment in a purified form. A small improvement for a city as smog-ridden as Milan, but one that offers potential for larger projects.
Following the announcement of tighter environmental zone regulations from next autumn for all diesel vehicles, Denmark is unveiling its plans to say goodbye to internal combustion engines. The possibility of a ban on combustion engines from 2030, including the state of the infrastructure and the social compatibility of the measure, is currently being examined in detail. Will Copenhagen's low-emission zone become a zero-emission zone?
Fewer cars, more space for public transport and walking and cycling - this is Frankfurt's master plan to achieve the city's climate goals and become climate neutral by 2035. Above all, an expanded electric bus line and the promotion of green forms of mobility are to play an important role in this. Will cars be completely banned from the environmental zone?
