Description of TPM
The transport policy measure covers the integration of 'low emission zones' in urban transport / mobility.
A 'low emission zone (LEZ)', also called 'Environmental zone', is a specific area mostly within cities, where the usage of specific transport modes is restricted or prohibited.[1] It is a defined geographical area that can only be entered by vehicles meeting certain emission criteria. [4]
Further access restrictions can additionally being implemented in a LEZ:
- a time restriction
- vehicle restrictions (type, weight, length, height)
- loading factor / utilisation rate
- permanent street closures and pedestrianisation schemes [1], [4], [5]
The purpose of a low emission zone is to restrict the most polluting vehicles entering the area of adaptation when they exceed a certain emission level. Hence, to lower the emissions in a certain area a LEZ is introduced when the level of pollutants has reached a dangerous level, which will negatively influence the public health. [4]
In 2009 low emission zones have been established in about 70 European cities, with different access rules and different enforcement methods.The rules may be determined by national, regional and local legislation. Within the zones the access criteria vary widely (also across differentenvironmental zones in the same country) and include:
- Euro pollutant emission standards
- Emission level for particulates only
- Equipment of vehicles with a particulate filter (without checks on actual emission levels)
- Equipment of vehicles with a catalytic converter
- Weight, with local classifications varying for different vehicle categories
- Age, differentiated by vehicle category
- Vehicle technology (petrol, diesel, natural gas, LPG or electric)
- Vehicle number plates [3]
Implementation examples
- Low emission Zone Utrecht (NL) [5]
- Environmental zones Gothenburg, Stockholm, Lund, Malmo (SE) [5]
- Protected zone Prague (CZ) [5]
- Other cities in Italy, Norway, Denmark, Germany etc.
- Delivery time windows and vehicle restrictions (53% of the Dutch municipalities) (NL) [5]
Main source
[1] European Commission (2009): Transport Research Knowledge Centre - Thematic research Summary: Urban Transport, Brussels.
[2] European Commission (2009): Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European economic and social committee and the Committee of Regions. Action Plan on Urban Mobility. COM(2009)490, Brussels
[3] European Commission (2009): Commission staff working document Communication form the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European economic and social committee and the Committee of Regions. Action Plan on Urban Mobility - Impact Assessment. SEC(2009)1211, Brussels
[4] Best Urban Freight Solutions II (BESTUFS II) (2008): Policy and Research Recommendations IV. Environmental zones in European cities, Accommodating the needs of passengers and freight transport in cities, and BESTUFS Project Recommendations
[5] Best Urban Freight Solutions II (BESTUFS II) (2006): D5.2 Quantification of urban freight transport effects II
[6] European Commission (2010): Study on urban access restrictions, Rome
Passengers
Transport operators
Unassigned
Health (incl. well-being)
Safety
Crime, terrorism and security
Accessibility of transport systems
Social inclusion, equality & opportunities
Standards and rights (related to job quality)
Employment and labour markets
Cultural heritage / culture