Low-emission zone

In many LEZs, vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set by the LEZ are not barred from entry into the LEZ (i.e. using automated boom barriers), but rather simply fined if they enter the zone. A fine is not issued if entering the LEZ with a vehicle that does not meet the emission standards, when a fee (LEZ daily charge, ...) has been paid. In some LEZs, such as the one in London, this is done by automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras which read the vehicle registration number plate as they enter the LEZ and then compare it against a database of vehicles which: • either meet the LEZ emissions standards, • or are either exempt or registered for a 100 percent discount, • or if the LEZ daily charge has been paid This fee/fine works as a deterrent for those having a vehicle that does not meet the LEZ emission standard for entering the city, and those having such vehicles will hence try to avoid paying this fee/fine (using various means, see "intent and actual impact"). ==Intent and actual impact==

The intent of LEZs is generally to improve air quality within cities. This intent is indeed achieved, with diesel particulates (PM10) dropping in most LEZs, and health improving. Often, this is achieved as people with polluting vehicles replace them with vehicles that attain a higher emission standard, which may mean buying a new vehicle, or travelling throughout avenues and roads distant from the areas where pollution is concentrated. Some people (such as workers on night shift or carrying heavy tools or cargo) however can't do without a car, but might not be able to afford to purchase unsubsidized cleaner vehicles. Therefore in some places the LEZ is only enforced when public transport is available, or electric taxis or cargobikes are subsidized. The European Federation for Transport and Environment is of the opinion that LEZs should be gradually turned into zero-emission mobility zones and complement policies promoting a switch to clean alternatives, including walking and cycling, among others. Most LEZs which are not also congestion charge zones do not change the number of vehicles entering the zone: but some LEZs (such as the one in Milan) double as congestion charge zones and thus have the potential to reduce the numbers travelling into the city. ==Implementation by country==

there are about 250 low-emission zones (LEZ), which help meet EU health-based air quality limit values. This means that vehicles may be banned from a LEZ, or in some cases charged if they enter a LEZ when their emissions are over a set level. Although common in Europe the continent's largest cities are lacking: Istanbul has no LEZ and Moscow's is not enforced. Different vehicles may be regulated, depending on local conditions. All LEZs apply to heavy vehicles, some to diesel vans, others also to diesel and petrol cars; in Italy, motor cycles and three-wheelers are also liable to control. A publicly funded website run by a network of cities and ministries operating or preparing LEZs gives up-to-date information on LEZs, such as which cities have LEZs, the vehicle types affected, the required emissions standards and their application dates. Belgium File:Belgian traffic sign F117.svg|Sign indicating the start of a low-emission zone in Belgium • Antwerp: Since 2017, there has been a LEZ in Antwerp, 24/7. Only diesel vehicles above Euro 3/III norm and petrol vehicles above Euro 1/I norm are allowed to enter the LEZ. • Brussels: Since 2018, the entire Brussels Capital Region has been a LEZ. Only diesel vehicles above Euro 5/V norm are allowed to enter Brussels. • Ghent introduced a LEZ on 1 January 2020. The low emission zones in Antwerp and Brussels have been shown to have a positive impact on air quality, socio-economic disparities and health. Bulgaria On 1 December 2023, Sofia introduced the first LEZ (, НЕЗ; niskoemisionna zona, NEZ) in Eastern Europe, banning Euro 1 vehicles from the Bulgarian capital's city centre during the winter. The zone is to be gradually expanded to a wider area and to Euro 2 vehicles by the end of 2027. China A LEZ is present in Beijing. Denmark Denmark has LEZs that are applicable to vehicles over 3.5 t. France The low emission zone (zone à faibles émissions; ZFE or zones à circulation restreinte; ZCR) in Paris is operational 8am to 8pm on weekdays, prohibiting certain vehicles from entering during its periods of operation. An air quality (crit'air) sticker is required for all vehicles and must meet the minimum standards. Other French cities with a LEZ in operation include Grenoble, Lyon and Strasbourg Germany In Germany, an LEZ is called an environmental zone (Umweltzone). There are currently 47 LEZs in operation or in planning in Germany. As of 31 December 2019, the standard for entry into the LEZ has been increased to Euro V. Indonesia The first LEZ in Indonesia is implemented at the old downtown of Jakarta, the Kota Tua Jakarta. It was first implemented on 8 February 2021 after having a trial run from 18-23 December 2020. The city government chose Kota Tua Jakarta as an LEZ in order to reduce air pollution on the site due to its rich historical value. Air pollution is concerned to damage the structure of old buildings within the site. The LEZ implementation is permanent and only TransJakarta buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles with special marker are allowed to enter the streets of the old town. Residents or workers in the surrounding area of the park have to place a sticker with QR code on their vehicle. Italy Italy has LEZs that are applicable to all vehicles. Some limited traffic zones are also aimed at limiting pollution levels. LEZs are in the legal framework of the Zona a traffico limitato (Limited traffic zone), which is a general prohibition on vehicular traffic in a designated area, with exceptions outlined in the road sign warning the driver of the start of such an area. There is, as of 2026, no differentiation in the signage between an LEZ limited traffic zone and a non-LEZ limited traffic zone and drivers are supposed to deduce from the list of exempted vehicles if they are viable to transit. Japan In Tokyo, the municipal government decided to tackle controlling diesel vehicle emissions (particulate matter emissions, ...) far ahead of the national government. Netherlands Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Arnhem have LEZs (milieuzone) applying to passenger cars and delivery vans. Only diesel passenger cars and diesel delivery vans meeting the emission standards of Euro 4 and above are allowed to enter the LEZs. Diesel trucks and diesel Buses/coaches have to meet Euro VI (6) or above to enter the LEZs. The LEZ of Arnhem does not apply to buses/coaches. The LEZ of Amsterdam covers practically the entire area within the A10 highway. The highway itself is not part of the LEZ. The LEZ of The Hague covers the area enclosed by the Centrumring (S100) and Professor B.M. Teldersweg (S200). These roads themselves, as well as the road from Lijnbaan to the visitors’ car park and the parking garage of the HMC Westeinde hospital, are not part of the LEZ. Rotterdam has an LEZ applying to trucks only. Diesel trucks have to meet the Euro VI (6) emission standard or above. Norway Norway has LEZs in Bergen and Oslo. Poland Poland has LEZ in Warsaw since 2024 and in Kraków since 2026. Portugal Portugal has an LEZ in Lisbon. Spain Pontevedra was the first Spanish city to ban traffic in its core, in 1999. Málaga and Seville were the next cities to establish low emission zones, with traffic only allowed for residents, in 2009. Seville rolled back its low-emission zone under the mayorship of Juan Ignacio Zoido in 2011, but at date of August 2021 a new system was in the process of implementation. Madrid established its LEZ in 2018 in its city center, and Barcelona approved it in 2020. Sweden The cities of Gothenburg, Lund, Malmö, Helsingborg, Mölndal, Uppsala, Umeå and Stockholm have low-emission zones. Heavy trucks and buses with compression ignited engines (mainly diesel engines) may not be allowed inside the environmental zones depending on their age and on their emission class. United Kingdom (ULEZ) in London (left) The London low emission zone came into effect in 2008 covering almost all of Greater London – the largest such zone in the world. The low-emission zone targets emissions of these pollutants from older diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches, vans, minibuses and other heavy vehicles that are derived from lorries and vans such as motor caravans and motorised horse boxes. There was a phased introduction of the scheme from 2008 through to 2012. Different vehicles were affected over time and increasingly tougher emissions standards applied. The London Ultra Low Emission Zone started on 8 April 2019 and initially covered Central London, the same area as the existing congestion charge. On 25 October 2021, the zone was extended to cover the Inner London area within the North Circular and South Circular roads. It was expanded again on 29 August 2023 to coincide with the London low emission zone, covering almost all of Greater London. The Glasgow low emission zone (LEZ) was implemented at the end of 2018. Initially, only local buses in the centre of the city are affected. On 1 June 2023 restrictions were extended to all vehicles, including older petrol and diesel cars. Norwich, and York also introduced a LEZ. , Oxford is claiming to become the first city to implement a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) scheme, beginning with a small area to go into effect by mid 2021. It was postponed from a 2020 start due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the proposals can more accurately be described as a Low Emission Zone or Ultra Low Emission Zone as any vehicle can enter on payment of a charge. The plan is to expand the ZEZ gradually into a much larger zone, until the ZEZ encompasses the majority of the city centre by 2035. Vietnam LEZ in Vietnam will be planned start on 1 January 2025 according to Capital Law 2024, it will start on Hoan Kiem district and Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. ==See also==