Diesel driving ban imminent on selected roads in Hamburg

Driving bans on diesel vehicles will take effect on selected roads in Hamburg after Whitsunday, the city’s environment senator, Jens Kerstan, told the newspaper Die Welt. “The road signs have been ordered, and once everything is settled legally, the rule will take effect,” Kerstan said. The bans were originally scheduled to be introduced at the end of April, but a written statement on the lawfulness of the bans by Germany’s administrative court is still outstanding, which delays implementation. Most people in Hamburg approve of the bans that are part of a bid by the city to reduce emissions and improve air quality, a survey conducted by the newspaper has found. “I’m glad that people seem to accept that we’ve found a pragmatic solution,” Green politician Kerstan said. “I would have been happier if we didn't have to do it,” he added. Kerstan said the federal government should hold carmakers that cheated on emissions levels accountable and enact a programme of mandatory retrofits.

Read the article in German here.

See CLEW’s diesel bans Q&A for background.