Stockholm's City Centre to Prohibit Petrol and Diesel Vehicles

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【Summary】Stockholm will ban all petrol and diesel cars from entering the city centre starting in 2024. The goal is to improve air quality, as pollution has been a long-standing issue in the city. Only electric cars, gas cars meeting Euro 6 emission standards, and Euro 6 plug-in hybrid heavy vehicles will be allowed in the low-emission zone. Violating the rules can result in a fine. The ban will initially cover a small area and may be expanded in the future.

FutureCar Staff Oct 11, 2023 6:28 AM PT

Stockholm's City Centre to Prohibit Petrol and Diesel Vehicles

Stockholm is set to implement a new low-emission zone in the city center, with a complete ban on petrol and diesel cars starting in late 2024. The main objective of this measure is to improve air quality in the inner city, which has been a persistent issue for Stockholm.

Medical research has shown that children living near streets with high emissions in Stockholm experience reduced lung function from as early as six months of age. This highlights the urgent need to address the problem of air pollution in the city.

Lars Strömgren, Vice Mayor for Transport and Urban Environment of the City of Stockholm, emphasized the detrimental effects of poor air quality on public health. He stated, "We need to eliminate the harmful exhaust gases from petrol and diesel cars. That's why we are introducing the most ambitious low-emission zone to date."

The upcoming low-emission zone in Stockholm will only allow electric cars and gas cars that meet the Euro 6 emission standards. Euro 6 plug-in hybrid heavy vehicles will also be permitted. The zone will be in effect 24/7 and any violation of the rules will result in a traffic offense and a potential fine of SEK 1,000.

The Environmental Zone Class 3 will be implemented on December 31st of next year, covering approximately twenty blocks in the city center. The zone will then be expanded in a second stage, with a decision on the enlargement to be made in the first half of 2025. It's important to note that motorcycles and mopeds are not included in the ban.

Lars further explained the uniqueness of Stockholm's model, stating, "Many cities have implemented low-emission zones where high-emission cars are allowed to drive if they pay a charge. Stockholm's model is more far-reaching. Petrol and diesel cars are prohibited, period. It is more 'ultra' than the ultra low emission zone of London."

This low-emission zone has been strategically chosen to cover an area where a significant number of cyclists and pedestrians are exposed to unhealthy air on a daily basis. Additionally, it is an area that houses forward-thinking companies that are eager to lead the transition to a more sustainable future.