Amsterdam Implements Stricter Measures to Reduce Emissions
Like many European cities, Amsterdam is gradually implementing more rigid transportation rules to promote cleaner air. Its latest initiatives bring it one step closer to achieving its goal of being emission-free by 2030.
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Reimagining the current system
Clean air isn’t the only objective of the stricter road rules. Amsterdam’s vision prioritizes “rebalancing” the current system so it’s more accommodating to more eco-friendly transportation. Per CityLab, two-thirds of residents rely on bikes to get around town, while only 19 percent of them rely on vehicles.
Setting milestones
Earlier this year, the City of Amsterdam outlined a few smaller goals to bridge the gap between the current transportation scene and the future 2030 zero-emission one. The Clean Air Action Plan includes the following three milestones the city will achieve within the next decade.
- By 2020, it will create an environmental zone within the A10 ring road to reduce fossil-fuel vehicle traffic. It will also raise the emission standard to Euro 4.
- By 2022, it will introduce an emission-free zone for buses and coaches within the S100 south of the railway line. It will also raise the emission standard to Euro 6.
- By 2025, it will establish an emission-free zone for scooters and mopeds, as well as for passenger vessels, public ferries, and recreational boats.
Photo: Pixabay
New initiatives
Amsterdam Alderperson Sharon Dijksma introduced a variety of new measures to discourage driving and encourage residents to walk or cycle. Quite a few of these tools are simple and cost-effective, which should help smooth the transition to a greener city center. One of the key changes will be to implement more barriers on central roads. These barriers close off a portion of a long street to all traffic except for deliveries, pick-ups, and drop-offs. The city will also narrow some roads while making other routes one-way only.
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News Sources: CityLab, City of Amsterdam – Clean Air Action Plan
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