Ban on diesel cars in Brussels Capital Region by 2030
The Brussels Capital Region announced last week that it has decided to ban diesel cars from 2030 and petrol cars from 2035. The plan is to go carbon-neutral by 2050 considering that the city is heavily congested.
This total ban on petrol and diesel powered cars is the city’s effort towards cleaner air. The environmental benefit will be a reduction of 40% of Co2 emissions in the city by 2030.
The government of Brussels approved the Brussels’ Climate Plan, which needs to be submitted to the European Commission by December 31st.
This climate plan is also part of the requirement under Belgian law to demonstrate commitment to the Paris Agreement.
The environmental NGO, Greenpeace took to its social networks to share the news, which quickly caught the attention of the famous actor. Leonardo DiCaprio.
According to this climate plan, in addition to the already existing low-emission-zone (LEZ) , there will be a zero-emission zone (ZEZ) in the city center.
Moreover, the most polluting motorcycles are expected to be added to the LEZ restriction by 2022. Meanwhile, the existing LEZ day pass which allows drivers to use banned vehicles 8 times a year in restricted zones will still be valid.
In comparison to the LEZ, the ZEZ will have stricter access criteria. “Diesel and petrol vehicles and motorcycles will be banned earlier in these zones. There will eventually be a complete ban on driving lorries in these zones. This will take into account any possible exceptions.”
Undoubtedly, the plan includes major investments in public transportation as well as infrastructure.
