In its last ruling of the year, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) denies the right to damages. However, the right to sue to demand action for better air remains confirmed - to the relief of citizens and environmental organisations.
Sometimes it's about small cars, sometimes it's about huge trucks. But it is always about combustion engines and techniques to disguise their harmful emissions. The investigations into Dieselgate continue - with the Deutsche Umwelthilfe now adding another piece to the puzzle.
With the EU Court of Justice and the sensational ruling against defeat devices now filed, there is still no end in sight for the diesel scandal. Will driving bans for all diesels without AdBlue follow? In the meantime, the DUH is demanding the recall of the affected vehicles.
After a long procedure, the city had decided on new traffic measures as part of the clean air plan: An extended and tightened environmental zone to protect the environment and the health of citizens from cross-border pollution levels.
In the scandal surrounding the Euro 5 and 6 Fiat Ducato models, the German Environmental Aid demands the recall of the affected vehicles. Politicians must finally take action. Some of the vehicles exceed the limit values by a factor of 10 and harm people and the environment.
There will be no diesel driving bans in Düsseldorf. Gate traffic lights and 30 km/h zones are to regulate traffic in the city on the Rhine in the future. A focus is also to be placed on bus and bicycle traffic. Thus, the last dispute about diesel driving bans in North Rhine-Westphalia has been settled.
After the historic ruling of the European Court of Justice, Germany must now quickly do something about excessive air pollution. For years, the state had not taken European law seriously and endangered its citizens. Diesel driving bans could be an option.
Since Berlin's Friedrichstraße was closed to car traffic, the air quality in the street and the surrounding area has improved significantly. German Environmental Aid is therefore calling for more car-free zones in other cities and areas as well. However, the reason for the improvement could also be the pandemic.
In Spain it has just been passed, in France the measure has existed for a long time: 30 km/h speed limit in cities and villages. Speed limits can significantly reduce the number of traffic fatalities and air pollution. The WHO is also in favour of it. In Germany, the idea falls on deaf ears.
According to measurements, FiatChrysler and VW motorhomes exceed the permitted exhaust emission limits many times over. Once again, politicians just stand by and do nothing.
