The air has improved - Leipzig lifts low emission zone

The city of Leipzig is lifting its low emission zone because air quality has improved significantly in recent years. "The low emission zone is no longer necessary," the city administration announced. In future, cars will be allowed to drive in the city without a green sticker.

The city announced that the limit values for particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide have been met at all official measuring stations since 2019. According to forecasts, the values would remain below the legal requirements even without an environmental zone. The legal requirements for maintaining the restriction were lacking. It should therefore be lifted as part of the upcoming update of the city's clean air plan.

Leipzig has had the only low emission zone in Saxony since March 2011. It covers around two thirds of the city. According to the city, it contributed to improving air quality, but now only makes "a very small contribution".

Significantly stricter EU limits from 2030

The city pointed out, however, that significantly stricter limits will come into force in the EU from 2030. Model calculations indicate that these requirements will not be met everywhere in Leipzig. "The city is therefore already working on suitable measures to ensure that air quality remains below the limit values in the future," the city announced.