Munich locks out old diesels: From 1 February, cars with the Euro 4 emissions standard will no longer be allowed to drive on the Mittlerer Ring. © Sven Hoppe/dpa
The CSU and Free Voters are calling for the immediate suspension of the second stage of the diesel driving ban in Munich. The background to this is that the air quality in the city is already improving.
Munich – The city's new measurement data show that the air is improving, and pollution with harmful nitrogen oxides is decreasing – even on Landshuter Allee, which is most polluted in Germany. The EU provides for limit values of 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air on an annual average, at Landshuter Allee the value was 2022 micrograms in 49, and now already 23 in the first quarter of 44.
Diesel driving ban in Munich: Since 1 February, vehicles with standard 4 are no longer allowed on the Mittlerer Ring
As reported, the city had issued a driving ban. Since 1 February, diesels with the Euro 4 emissions standard have no longer been allowed to drive on and in the area of the Mittlerer Ring – there are exceptions for craftsmen and residents, for example. In this way, the city wants to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels. However, if the first stage is not sufficient, diesels with standard 5 should also be excluded from October, and in a next stage from 1 April 2024, the exemptions would then also be dropped.
The Greens had already signalled that they would think about alternatives if this trend continued. "If the Greens are serious about their U-turn, they should immediately create clear conditions," says CSU leader Manuel Pretzl.
CSU criticism of the diesel driving ban in Munich: "There must be no unnecessary costs"
In general, the driving ban is disproportionate. In addition, against the backdrop of falling pollutant levels, thousands of diesel drivers could not be left in the dark as to whether they will be able to continue using their vehicles from October. "There must be no unnecessary costs for the people who are already struggling financially in these times."
After all, the values have not only been declining since this year, says CSU city councillor Sebastian Schall. "To rave about a working ban after three rainy months is dubious."
