Päästöalue

Päästöalue, which translates to "emission zone" in English, refers to a designated geographical area where emissions from vehicles are regulated to improve air quality. These zones are established by local or national authorities and typically restrict or prohibit the entry of older, more polluting vehicles. The primary goal of establishing a päästöalue is to reduce the concentration of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide in urban environments.

Vehicles entering a päästöalue may be required to meet specific emission standards, such as Euro 1 to Euro 6, depending on the regulations in place. Vehicles that do not meet these standards may be subject to restrictions, including fines, or may be required to pay a daily fee to enter the zone. Some päästöalue schemes also offer exemptions or discounts for certain types of vehicles, such as electric vehicles, hybrids, or vehicles used for essential services. The implementation of päästöalue has been shown to contribute to cleaner air in cities, leading to improved public health and reduced environmental impact. The specific rules and boundaries of a päästöalue vary significantly between different cities and countries.