Low emission zones: Other countries - other customs
INFORM IN ADVANCE Many cities in Europe have introduced restrictions on access to the city center by private cars. TCS recommends in any case to inquire in advance and to purchase the necessary vignettes.
After the summer vacation period, the Swiss like to set off again for city trips in the fall. Many visit neighboring countries in their private vehicles. When making travel arrangements, they should find out about the traffic regulations for the low emission zones that apply in many European cities.
France, Germany, Italy
In France, environmental zones have currently been set up in the conurbations of eleven cities, and further towns are planning such zones. In order to be allowed to drive in these areas, it is mandatory that the corresponding vignette be affixed to the vehicle.
German environmental zones may only be entered by low-emission vehicles with an environmental badge. The sticker is issued for one of three categories: red, yellow and green, depending on a vehicle's emissions level. The same regulations apply to electric vehicles as to all other vehicles.
Zone a traffico limitato have been introduced in many Italian cities. These zones are marked by prohibition signs indicating the type and exceptions. The rules vary greatly from region to region.
Belgium, Holland, Spain
In Belgium, environmental zones exist in Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels. The control is carried out with the help of cameras that scan the license plates. Each vehicle must be compulsorily registered online.
In the Netherlands, 15 municipalities have introduced environmental zones in which no diesel vehicles are allowed. These zones are marked by signs with the inscription Milieu Zone.
Starting this year, cities in Spain with a population of 50,000 or more must gradually introduce environmental zones. Barcelona and Madrid have already done so.
No environmental zones in Austria
In Austria, restrictions apply to delivery vehicles. No restrictions in the form of environmental zones currently apply to private vehicles in the neighboring country to the east. To improve air quality, speed limits may apply on certain sections of freeway.
