Espoo and Helsinki plan zero-emission zones for trucks and vans

Espoo is preparing zero-emission zones where only trucks and vans that produce no tailpipe emissions while in use would be allowed to drive, Yle reports. Helsinki is planning similar zones.

Espoo plans to submit the proposal to the city government and city council during the autumn. It is part of the city’s updated carbon-neutrality roadmap.

The zones are intended to reduce emissions and noise and improve air quality. Espoo City Manager Kai Mykkänen said the decision would signal that companies should invest in cleaner vehicles more quickly.

“Zero-emission zones for freight traffic are the clearest and most realistic way to accelerate reductions in both emissions and noise in transport, which has become Espoo’s largest source of emissions,” he said in a statement.

The transition would take place in stages. The implementation methods, the size of the zones and any transition periods will be defined later. The planning will consider the expected impact on climate emissions, as well as effects on businesses and accessibility.

Espoo is preparing the measures together with other cities in the capital region and representatives of the transport sector. According to the statement, Helsinki also plans to propose zero-emission zones for trucks and vans. The cities would be the first in Finland to pursue such zones.

Many other European cities are also currently planning zero-emission zones. In the Netherlands, for example, they are intended to deliver significant emissions reductions and improve the urban environment and air quality.