As of: February 21, 2024, 1:09 p.m
By: Sascha Karowski
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German Environmental Aid is fighting for a stricter diesel driving ban in Munich © Sven Hoppe
The EU agrees on new limit values for pollutants from 2030. These new rules will probably have consequences for Munich.
Munich - This decision will stink in Munich!
The European Union has agreed on a new air quality directive and thus on new limit values for air pollutants from 2030.
For the harmful nitrogen oxide (NO2), 20 micrograms per cubic meter is then considered prohibited.
So far there are 40. And this limit is not being adhered to in at least two places in Munich (Landshuter Allee and Moosacher Straße).
And this limit of 40 micrograms was the reason for the diesel driving ban on and within the Middle Ring, which initially only applies to vehicles with Euronorm 4.
Is there a threat of the next diesel hammer?
New limit values for pollutants in the air: Currently 33 of 59 measuring stations are above the limit
The new limit values are currently not being met at 33 of 59 measuring stations.
In any case, ÖDP leader Tobias Ruff is alarmed: “The hut is burning in Munich.
Landshuter Allee is still the dirtiest street in Germany.
In six years the new EU limits will take effect and yet the Green-Reds have still not been woken up.”
The city is not even managing to comply with the lax limits and is putting the health of Munich residents at risk.
“The current measures are not enough either way.
We urgently need to implement more effective solutions to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life in Munich.”
EU sets new nitrogen oxide limits - SPD leader suspects: Not only consequences for car traffic
As reported, a court hearing is scheduled for March 14th as Deutsche Umwelthilfe is suing to ensure compliance with the existing limit values.
The city administration is currently investigating whether further measures are necessary and which ones are proportionate - but based on the measured values from 2023 and with the limit value of 40 micrograms.
The city council will probably take up the issue in April.
SPD leader Anne Hübner told our editorial team: “Munich has been trying to improve air quality for years and has already had success here.
However, the new EU limit values will present major German cities with considerable challenges.” It will not only be car traffic that will have to accept restrictions.
“We are now waiting for the implementation into German law and hope for support from the federal government and appropriate transition periods so that we don’t get to the point where a lot of people can no longer use their cars.”