A new way to fight air pollution has emerged in Krakow. The Public Transport Authority has announced the creation of aclean transportation zone. What changes is the introduction of the zone expected to bring?
change
The introduction of such a zone in the city is due to the amendment of the Act on Electromobility and Alternative Fuels. The obligation was imposed on the city by the Provincial Air Protection Program. The city must introduce such a solution by December 24, 2022.
However, the desired effect cannot be achieved unless we also take care to reduce traffic pollution. The most polluting emitters are the several-decade-old cars traveling through our city. An extensive study conducted in 2019 in Krakow showed that 12 percent of cars emit as much as half of all automobile pollution. These 12 percent are mostly several years old or older diesels. Traffic emission studies show that engines produced since 2006 pollute significantly less, the Krakow City Hall website says.
Clean Transportation Zones have been established in more than two hundred and fifty cities in Europe. Officials cite the experience of other European cities, such as Berlin and London. In the British capital, nitrogen dioxide air pollution has fallen by 40 percent, in Berlin by 25 percent.
solving the problem
How will the clean transport zone function? There will certainly be no ban on cars. Only the least environmentally friendly cars will be restricted from entering the zone. The requirements of the standards are still being determined. All decisions are to be made after consultations with residents. The zone is to cover areas inside the second ring road.
The Public Transportation Board is tentatively proposing two solutions to compensate for the changes. The first proposal is a two-year ticket to travel on public transportation, for anyone who gives up their vehicle. Officials are considering introducing a subsidy for the purchase of an electric-assist bicycle. The final shape of the compensation is not known.
Officials have almost a year to introduce the Clean Transportation Zone, in the meantime it is important to create the right conditions for residents so that the changes in traffic do not become a nuisance for Krakow residents.
