Stockholm to ban all petrol and diesel cars from city centre

Stockholm will introduce a progressive low-emission zone in part of the city centre. Starting at the end of 2024, petrol and diesel cars will be banned from entering the area. The goal of the measure is to improve air quality in the inner city.

Air pollution in the city of Stockholm has been a long-standing problem. Medical research shows that children living near Stockholm streets with high emissions have reduced lung function from as early as six months of age.

Lars Strömgren, Vice Mayor for Transport and Urban Environment of the City of Stockholm said: ‘Poor air quality damages the lungs of infants and causes the elderly to die prematurely. We need to eliminate the harmful exhaust gases from petrol and diesel cars. That’s why we are introducing the most ambitious low-emission zone to date,.’

Stockholm’s upcoming low-emission zone will only permit use of electric cars and gas cars that meet the Euro 6 emission standards. Euro 6 plug-in hybrid heavy vehicles will also be permitted. The zone is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Violating the rules of the zone is a traffic offence which can result in a police fine of SEK 1,000, i.e. roughly €85.

The Environmental Zone Class 3 will be introduced on 31 December next year, covering an area of around twenty blocks in the city centre. The zone will then be extended in a second stage. A decision on the enlargement will be made in the first half of 2025. Motorcycles and mopeds are not covered by the ban.

Lars continued: ‘Many cities have implemented low-emission zones where high-emission cars are allowed to drive if they pay a charge. Stockholm’s model is more far-reaching. Petrol and diesel cars are prohibited, period. It is more ‘ultra’ than the ultra low emission zone of London.

‘We have chosen an area where large numbers of cyclists and pedestrians are exposed to unhealthy air on a daily basis. It is also a part of the city that is home to forward-thinking companies that are keen to lead the transition to a more sustainable future.’