The situation for car drivers in France is becoming increasingly confusing. Now Bordeaux is also to get a temporary environmental zone. In the city by the sea, however, it is not only traffic that causes high particulate pollution. The sea also contributes to the air pollution peaks.
With about 4.2 million deaths annually worldwide no other environmental problem kills people as frequently as air pollution. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and ozone affect the human body in many different ways and can cause serious physical and psychological problems.
About 400,000 people in Europe die every year as a result of air pollution. Environmental zones are already helping to make the air cleaner. But the limits set by the World Health Organisation are still far from being met.
Air pollutants have decreased less than initially estimated due to the Corona pandemic. Favourable weather conditions also played a role. This year, therefore, an increase is very likely and could spur driving bans again.
High subsidies for plug-in hybrids will soon only be available for vehicles that can drive at least 60 km in pure electric mode. This could mean an end to the hype surrounding these vehicles in Germany.
Last year, nitrogen oxide levels in the Neckar valley remained below the limit value for the first time. The plaintiffs, who have been campaigning for better air for years, see this as only a partial success, however. The readings could, however, have an impact on driving bans in the city.
Due to the ban on the sale of firecrackers and fireworks, the fine dust pollution on New Year's Eve will probably be significantly lower this year than in previous years. Environmental organisations would like to see a permanent ban in order to reduce the harmful emissions.
The CDU parliamentary group wants an immediate end to diesel driving bans. The environmental authority is reviewing the measure first, but is also evaluating some road sections for new driving bans. At the same time, more and more streets are being declared car-free zones.
The driving ban for older diesel vehicles has no effect on air quality. Also because only two streets are affected. Will this result in larger diesel driving ban zones?
Electric cars produce almost as much particulate matter as combustion engines, yet they are not regulated. The increase in the number of electric cars could therefore soon lead to a deterioration in air quality and new driving bans for combustion engines.
