Major European city confirms petrol and diesel car ban

The new regulations will come into force on December 31st 2024 – meaning that drivers have 14 months to prepare for the switch.

Lars Stromgren MP, the city’s Vice Mayor, said: “Nowadays, the air in Stockholm causes babies to have lung conditions and 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.

“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.”

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This announcement is the first of its kind to be introduced into a major city across the world.

The petrol and diesel car ban will cover 20 areas in Stockholm’s city centre.

This will mean that these vehicles will not be allowed to travel in the areas of Kungsgatan, Birger Jarlsgatan, Hamngatan and Sveavägen. The ban will cover an area of 180,000-square-metres.

According to the announcement from Stromgren, this will also aid in the city's goal to transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

From 2025, low emission cars or EVs will be allowed access to these zones.

The plans will allow plug-in hybrid heavy goods vehicles and any emergency vehicles access.

Drivers will a disabled permit are not subject to the ban from the government.

What do you make of the announcement? Could more cities follow in their footsteps? Would you support a scheme like this in the UK? Leave your comments below.