A city bans petrol and diesel cars from 2025
A city has announced plans to become the first major capital to ban petrol and diesel cars from its centre, in an effort to reduce pollution and noise, as well as promote electric vehicles.
From 2025, 20 blocks in the inner city of Stockholm, spanning the financial and shopping districts, will be electric-vehicle-only. A decision on whether to expand the coverage will be made in early 2025.
“Today, Stockholm’s air causes babies to suffer from lung disease and the elderly to die prematurely,” said Lars Stromgren, Stockholm’s deputy mayor in charge of transport, announcing the plan. “We need to eliminate harmful emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles. That’s why we are introducing the most ambitious low-emission zone to date.”
Several cities have announced plans to tackle air pollution, but Stockholm is the most prominent. Paris, Athens and Madrid have only banned diesel cars. London plans to charge internal combustion engines.
“Many cities have implemented low-emission zones, where high-emission cars are allowed to drive for a fee. Stockholm’s model has a broader impact. Petrol and diesel cars are banned, aiming to transition to a more sustainable future,” Stromgren added.
There are some caveats to Stockholm’s plan. While it is intended to primarily allow all-electric cars, larger trucks with plug-in hybrid engines will also be allowed. Exceptions will be made for ambulances and police vehicles, as well as cars whose drivers or passengers have documentation proving they are disabled.
Sweden's Green Party is part of a coalition of left-wing, environmentally focused parties that holds power in Stockholm's city government. The Greens hope the low-emission zone will boost the use of electric vehicles.
The Swedish Transport Business Confederation said the plan was "too radical".
“Since 2010, we have reduced emissions by 34%. But the Green Party and their colleagues in Stockholm are now rushing things,” the organization said.
