Niedrigemissionszonen

Niedrigemissionszonen, also known as Low Emission Zones (LEZ), are urban areas where the emission of pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), is restricted to reduce air pollution and improve public health. These zones are typically implemented in cities with significant air quality issues, such as London, Beijing, and Delhi. The primary goal of LEZs is to limit the number of vehicles that can enter the zone based on their emission standards. Vehicles that do not meet the required standards are either banned or subject to higher charges to enter the zone. The effectiveness of LEZs in reducing air pollution has been a subject of debate, with some studies showing significant improvements in air quality, while others suggest that the impact is limited due to factors such as increased traffic congestion and the presence of older, more polluting vehicles. Despite these challenges, LEZs remain a popular policy tool for urban air quality management, as they can be implemented relatively quickly and at a relatively low cost compared to other air pollution control measures.