How Green Zones are Transforming the Urban Landscape

In recent years, numerous initiatives have emerged in major European cities to make transportation more sustainable and reduce harmful gas emissions. The European Commission and local authorities are working to accelerate the transition to eco-friendly vehicles. One of the key steps in this process is the introduction of green zones—areas in cities where access to polluting vehicles is restricted or prohibited.

Green zones, also known as Low Emission Zones (LEZs), are areas where vehicle movement is strictly controlled based on environmental performance. Vehicles that emit high levels of pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide, are often restricted from entering these zones. These measures aim to reduce air pollution, particularly severe in large cities, and encourage citizens to switch to cleaner modes of transportation, such as electric cars, bicycles, or walking.

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Examples from European Cities

London has pioneered green zones by introducing the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This zone covers a large part of central London and requires all vehicles to meet strict environmental standards. Those who fail to meet these standards must pay a daily charge. ULEZ is expected to expand soon to cover more areas of London, aiming to reduce pollution and promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Paris is another leader in eco-friendly initiatives, with its Low Emission Zones (Zones à faibles émissions). Vehicles with low environmental standards are banned from certain areas, and the city has ambitious plans to eliminate all fossil fuel vehicles by 2030. Paris is also known for its extensive network of bike lanes, which helps reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the city center.

Berlin was one of the first cities to introduce a green zone back in 2008. Only vehicles with a special eco-sticker indicating low emissions are allowed to enter these zones. The German capital demonstrates its commitment to reducing gas emissions and improving air quality by continuously tightening environmental standards within these zones.

The world’s fashion capital, Milan, has established a Low Emission Zone called Area C. This zone covers the city center, and vehicles not meeting the required standards must pay a fee to enter. Milan enforces strict regulations for older and diesel cars and strongly promotes the use of public transport and eco-friendly vehicles. Known for its biking culture,

Amsterdam introduced green zones in 2009. Older diesel vehicles are banned from certain parts of the city, and local authorities have set the ambitious goal of phasing out fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2030. This initiative encourages the development of electric vehicles and supports the expansion of the city’s well-established biking culture.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski