At the beginning of this summer, Warsaw joined the ranks of European cities that combat pollution using low-emission zones. Starting on July 1, 2024, a regulation in the Polish capital will prohibit vehicles older than 27 years with a standard lower than Euro 2, as well as diesel vehicles older than 19 years with a standard lower than Euro 4, from entering the city center and certain peripheral areas.
Although these rules don’t seem overly restrictive for now, the limitations are expected to be gradually tightened every two years. If everything goes according to plan, by 2032, only Euro 6 gasoline vehicles or those younger than 18 years, and Euro 6 diesel vehicles or those younger than 12 years, will be allowed into central Warsaw.
What Are Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and How Many Are There in Europe?
Warsaw, Riga, and Sofia announced last year that they were preparing to introduce their first low-emission zones, banning the most polluting vehicles from their central areas. This move follows the example of many other cities across Europe that have been implementing these measures over the past few decades.
Broadly speaking, low-emission zones (LEZ) are defined urban areas where access for vehicles with high pollution levels is restricted. The specific requirements for acceptable emission levels vary from country to country and from zone to zone. These areas are also known by names like “clean transport zones,” “clean air zones,” and so on.
The title of pioneer is often attributed to Stockholm, dating back to 1996. London and Berlin were also among the first, introducing their LEZs in 2008. Many other European cities have since adopted these “green zones” as part of their strategies to reduce pollution and promote cleaner air—such as Lisbon, Oslo, Amsterdam, and Milan.
However, although LEZs have been around for nearly 30 years, they have only seen widespread expansion in the past decade, as the issue of pollution and its impact on human health has come into focus. Experts estimate that there are now over 300 LEZs across Europe, with their numbers expected to continue growing. Most of these zones impose restrictions on buses and trucks over 3.5 tons, while some rules also cover vans, minibuses, campers, cars, and even motorcycles. Additionally, some countries have gone a step further by introducing zero-emission zones.
Today, low-emission zones are considered one of the most effective ways to reduce the emission of particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, which are the three main pollutants in Europe. For example, green mobility experts estimate that the implementation of LEZs in German cities has led to a reduction in annual average concentrations of particulates (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide by 7% and 4%, respectively.
Road Transporters Facing Increasing Challenges
The introduction of low-emission zones in city centers is increasingly pushing actors in the road freight transport industry to consider alternative solutions. LEZs are changing mobility patterns, favoring low-emission vehicles, particularly electric and hybrid vans and trucks, as well as alternatives like bicycle deliveries.
Fleet managers are increasingly required to proactively develop strategies to comply with current regulations and plan ahead for when restrictions become even stricter. Everyone agrees—the only real answer is the implementation of new, green technologies and equipment.
On the other hand, it’s clear that this presents a significant challenge for road transporters in Europe, who are already facing various obstacles. For example, Stockholm’s announcement that by the end of 2024, the city center should become a significantly more restrictive “Class 3 ecological zone” (which nearly only allows electric and hybrid commercial vehicles) was met with considerable opposition from transporters.
“The Swedish transport sector is one of the cleanest in the world and is restructuring very quickly. Since 2010, we have reduced emissions by 34%, but the City of Stockholm is now in too much of a hurry,” stated the Transportföretagen association, noting that even in advanced Sweden, customers are still not ready to pay more for sustainable transport solutions.
Critics of the concept also point out issues of enforcement and compliance (whether local authorities are up to the task of ensuring monitoring and enforcement of the rules). There are also certain infrastructural limitations.
Did You Know
According to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the average age of trucks in the European Union is 13.9 years, vans 12.5 years, while passenger cars are “the youngest” with an average of 12.3 years. Greece has the oldest fleet (the average age of trucks is an incredible 23 years, and light commercial vehicles 21.4). The situation is best in Austria, which has the youngest vans (average 6.5 years) and trucks (6.7 years).
