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These countries have low emission zones and driving bans

What is an environmental zone (LEZ/ZFE/ZBE)?

An environmental zone is a specific area in a city or region that is protected by regulations and restrictions to improve air quality. These zones are usually established to reduce emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are responsible for poor air quality in many cities.

In these zones, certain rules apply to vehicle access based on vehicle emissions. This may include imposing driving bans on certain types of vehicles, such as older diesel vehicles, or requiring the creation of an eco-label for vehicles. This mark, which must be affixed to the vehicle, confirms that the vehicle complies with the applicable emission regulations and is therefore authorized to drive in the low emission zone.

The introduction of low emission zones has led to a significant improvement in air quality in many cities. It has been observed that emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter have been reduced in these zones, thereby improving the health of residents. The number of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases also decreased.

However, it is not just the introduction of environmental zones alone that can lead to an improvement in air quality. It is necessary to take other measures to reduce emissions overall. These include, for example, promoting electromobility, increasing energy efficiency and creating alternative means of transportation such as bicycles and public transportation.

Environmental zones are an important tool to improve air quality in cities and regions and reduce the impact of air pollution on the health of residents. They are used in many European countries and have shown to have a positive effect on air quality.

Environmental zones are also known in other countries as Environmental Zones, Clean Air Zones (England), Miljøzone (Denmark), Miljözon (Sweden), Lavutslippssone (Norway), Alacsony Kibocsátási Övezet (Hungary), Zona ambientale (Italy), Umweltzonen (Germany), Milieuzones (Netherlands), ZFE - Zone à Faibles Émissions (France) and Lage-emissiezone (Belgium), ZBE - Zona de baixes emissiones (Spain).

Winter zone: There are environmental zones which are only seasonally active or have stricter rules for certain months. This means that these zones are active, for example, from September 15 to April 15 of the following year. Outside of this time, no or less strict driving restrictions apply and you can drive freely. One country with many winter zones is Italy. 

What is a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ)?

ZEZ stands for "Zero Emission Zone", which in German means "Null-Emissions-Zone". A ZEZ is a specific area in a city or region where only zero-emission vehicles are allowed. This means that only electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and other alternative-powered vehicles that emit no pollutants are allowed in these zones.

The introduction of ZEZs is part of an effort to improve air quality in cities and regions and reduce the impact of air pollution on residents' health. By restricting access to these zones by vehicles with high emissions, air quality is improved.

Some cities and regions have already begun implementing ZEZs, while others have planned to do so in the near future. Examples of cities that have planned ZEZs include London, Madrid, and Paris.

It should be noted that the introduction of ZEZs not only improves air quality, but also helps to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a way to support the transportation transition by encouraging the use of electric vehicles and other zero-emission vehicles.

What is an air protection zone (ZPA)?

A ZPA (French: Zone de Protection de l'Air) is an area established by the government to improve air quality and reduce the impact of air pollution on public health. These zones are usually established in urban areas or near large industrial facilities or power plants that are considered major emitters of air pollutants. Air protection zones exist in different countries with different characteristics and are also called anti-smog zones.

ZPA zones do not apply permanently, but are only active during bad weather and when air pollution levels are high. In ZPA zones, stricter rules apply to emissions from industrial facilities, power plants, and other large emitters of air pollutants such as transportation. 
These rules are designed to reduce emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are responsible for poor air quality in many cities. These pollutants can affect health, especially the respiratory system and lungs, and can even lead to fatal cardiovascular disease. 

The government regularly monitors and reviews air quality in ZPA zones and, if necessary, takes further action to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This may include wide-ranging bans on certain vehicles, environmental badges, and/or Euro standards.

 

What is a departmental air protection zone (ZPAd)?

ZPAd (French: Zone de protection de l'air départementale) are air protection zones that apply to an entire department. Compared to ZPA zones, ZPAd zones do not have concrete boundaries. It is not possible to define in advance in which local areas within the ZPAd traffic restrictions will occur due to an escaping air pollution peak. The respective initial decree provides for concrete traffic restrictions in the event of an air pollution peak, so that only then in a concrete, police decree is the area within the department determined in which concrete measures are then taken. A whole department may even be affected by a concrete measure.

In any case, the respective prefect of the department is responsible for imposing driving bans where necessary (e.g. in one or more municipalities, on a freeway or within the entire department) on the basis of the data supplied to him by the regional air protection institute. Certificat qualité de l'Air vignettes, which must be excluded from traffic, are also decided in these cases.

What is a traffic restricted zone (ZTL)?

A ZTL (Italian: Zona a Traffico Limitato) is a specific area in a city or region where vehicle access is restricted or limited in order to reduce traffic and emissions. These zones are often established in historic centers of cities or in residential areas to improve the quality of life for residents and reduce noise and exhaust pollution.

In a ZTL, for example, there may be bans on driving certain types of vehicles, such as older diesel vehicles, or restrictions on access at certain times of day. It may also be necessary to have a special permit or parking pass to drive in these zones.

Access to a ZTL is usually controlled via electronic monitoring systems, such as cameras or induction loops. Vehicle owners who violate the rules risk heavy fines.

The introduction of ZTLs has led to a reduction in traffic volumes in many cities.