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.
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 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.
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.
The truck sector is to become climate neutral! Manufacturers described the EU decision of Monday, 16 October, which sets the roadmap for the decarbonisation of trucks in the EU, as "very ambitious". They criticise that the EU must also create the framework conditions so that decarbonisation can succeed.
After fierce opposition, there will be no low emission zone with a ban on internal combustion vehicles in Stockholm's old town. Instead, parking spaces are to disappear, traffic is to be reduced overall and the focus is to be on reclaiming walking and cycling.
The future of the automobile lies in alternative drive systems. They should not only contribute to climate protection, but also make the air in cities cleaner. But since the vehicles are usually much heavier than conventional combustion engines, they produce more and more particulate matter. So the air in the cities could get worse again - and there could be new environmental zones.
Locals and holidaymakers in France are seeing a blue sign with a white rhombus more and more often these days. Those who disregard it promptly pay 135 euros. The signs indicate so-called environmental lanes. These are only approved for certain low-emission vehicles and those with carpools and are intended to reduce air pollution.
Despite high diesel prices, the vehicles remain enormously popular. Although the new car market is changing dramatically and offering fewer and fewer diesel vehicles, they are still booming on the used car market. Even driving bans that have already been announced do not seem to be a deterrent. Perhaps only bans and heavy fines will bring about a real change in consumer attitudes.
The pilot project for the electrification of truck traffic in Germany has failed. Experts had doubted the German government's plan from the very beginning. The government ignored the warning cries and made a massive miscalculation.
