2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
According to the Auto Club Europa (ACE), the environmental zones used in around 60 cities no longer serve their purpose. The municipalities, on the other hand, disagree.
In the opinion of the ACE Auto Club Europa, environmental zones to reduce particulate matter no longer fulfill their original purpose. The underlying fine dust ordinance from 2007 was the beginning of a success story. However, the further benefits of the environmental zones in around 60 German cities are doubtful, said an ACE spokesman before the 52nd traffic court day, which begins on Wednesday in Goslar, Lower Saxony. Because almost all cars now meet the requirements to be allowed to enter environmental zones. This also applies to diesel vehicles.
German Association of Cities for Retention
Federal Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) should therefore check whether environmental zones are still appropriate and justified, demanded the ACE. The German Association of Cities spoke out in favor of retaining the zones. Until all European standards for fine dust and nitrogen oxides are complied with, they are an important instrument for protecting people from health hazards.
According to the ACE, in 2013 96.4 percent of the nationwide 43.3 million cars were allowed to enter the environmental zones. In 2007, however, the proportion of heavily polluting cars was around 26 percent. The car club relies on figures from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
Around 1.5 million cars require an environmental badge
The entire bureaucratic effort with badges for the environmental zones is currently only carried out because of the further decline in the remaining stock of around 1.5 million older cars, said ACE spokesman Rainer Hillgärtner. These would also include around 154,000 vintage cars that are allowed to drive into environmental zones despite increased levels of fine dust.
According to the ACE, it is undisputed that fine dust pollution has decreased in many cities since the introduction of environmental zones. "But it is not a bureaucratic monster with badges on it that ensures better air, but the steadily growing number of clean cars." Catalytic converters and soot particle filters and the associated tax breaks have made a significant contribution to minimizing pollutants.
Faster introduction of Euro 6 required
According to the city council, the municipalities have a completely different demand. "The cities are making every effort to reduce emissions through urban planning, traffic planning and regulatory requirements," said Managing Director Stephan Articus. "However, you have reached your limits."
"Especially with a view to the particularly harmful nitrogen oxides, a stricter federal regulation would be desirable," said Articus. The EU, federal and state governments should “finally take efficient measures at the source”. The Euro 6 emissions standard for new cars must be introduced as soon as possible and not - as planned - at the end of 2015. (dpa)
