Copenhagen backs Denmark’s first zero-emission zone

DR reports that a Copenhagen municipal committee has backed a proposal for Denmark’s first zero-emission zone, which would generally ban petrol and diesel cars from part of Vesterbro.

The zone would cover an area between Enghavevej, Vesterbrogade and Ingerslevsgade. Kødbyen, a district within the area, is excluded, and the whole of Vesterbrogade has been left out of the revised proposal.

The Climate, Environment and Technology Committee approved the proposal on Monday. It was scaled back after 80 per cent of 768 responses from residents, businesses and interest groups were critical or expressed reservations.

Lone Billehøj, chair of the Vesterbro local committee, said it had called for Skelbækgade to be excluded so people could use parking spaces beneath a hotel there. The committee also sought exemptions for residents living just outside the zone, hearses and special vehicles.

The proposal must be approved by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and then adopted by Copenhagen’s municipal council before the zone can take effect.