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?
At the top of the agenda of the newly elected PP mayor is the abolition of the VAO lane on the Ma-19 motorway and the speed limit. The planned construction of a tram line to the airport is now also in jeopardy. Climate-protective transport measures will have to reckon with massive headwinds on the island in the future.
As of yesterday, most internal combustion vehicles - including taxis - are no longer allowed to enter Glasgow's Low Emission Zone without penalty. A green retrofit of the industry could no longer be postponed, he said. However, the city is expected to offer alternative and safe mobility solutions to compensate for the displacement of thousands of taxis.
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.
Engine exhaust is not the only source of environmental and air pollution in transport. Non-exhaust emissions such as so-called brake and tyre abrasion are also causing concern - and have the European Union and the car industry looking for more sustainable solutions. The Euro7 emissions standard planned for 2025 is soon to regulate particulate and microplastic emissions from pneumatics - and ensure that even cars with clean engines can keep polluting emissions from tyres and brakes under control. But the EU's plans have been sharply criticised.
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.
Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler is considering a ban on new vehicles with internal combustion engines from 2027 to meet the country's climate targets. This proposal comes at a time when Austria is facing the adoption of important legislation due to opposition from the SPÖ.
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.
From 2035, new combustion vehicles will be banned in Europe and only new electric vehicles will be allowed. In many cities, however, these will already be banned in the environmental zones before then. How will the millions of e-cars be charged in the confined urban areas? In Antwerp (Belgium), e-cars can already be charged flexibly at mobile charging stations. Now the service could soon be expanded and find space in other major cities in Europe.
