The introduction of low emission zones could soon be discussed again in the major cities in Saxony. Air hygiene analyses must show whether an environmental zone is needed if the European Union tightens the limit values for pollutants, the head of the environmental office in Dresden, René Herold, told the German Press Agency. As a rule, only vehicles that meet certain emission standards are allowed to drive in environmental zones. This is intended to reduce pollutant emissions caused by traffic.
Negotiators from the European Parliament and the EU member states agreed on the new Euro 7 emissions standard in Brussels in December. According to this standard, limit values for brake and tire abrasion are to be introduced for the first time. The EU states and the European Parliament still have to formally approve the agreement. According to the Parliament, the rules will apply to cars and vans 30 months after they come into force and to buses and trucks 48 months after this date.
Until now, Dresden, like Chemnitz, had managed without an environmental zone. With a package of measures, the limit values have been complied with in the state capital since 2017, even at the most polluted measuring point, said Herold. This means that there is no justification for setting up a low emission zone. According to the city of Chemnitz, a low emission zone is also not necessary as long as the limit values for air pollutants are not tightened.
