Sweden’s ruling Moderates fume at Stockholm petrol and diesel ban

(EurActiv, 11 Oct 2023) Sweden’s ruling right-wing Moderates have expressed anger at Stockholm’s Green-Social Democrat coalition, which announced a ban on petrol and diesel cars in parts of the city centre from 2025 on Tuesday.

The town’s council declared that only electric cars and low-emission gas vehicles will be allowed in a 20-block-sized area in central Stockholm from 2025. The ban also applies to transport vehicles and taxis, and low-emission plug-in hybrids will also be allowed for heavy traffic.

“The aim is to create a better air and noise environment for those who live in the area,” Lars Strömgren, the city’s traffic commissioner”, told SVT.

This is the first time that a class three environmental zone has been introduced in Sweden. However, earlier plans to introduce such a zone in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic old town, have been abandoned.

“The low emission zone will be introduced in an area with a lot of pedestrians and cyclists, where air quality needs to be improved. It is also a part of the city where we see a strong commitment to faster electrification, with actors who can lead the transition,” Strömgren said.

External link

EurActiv, 11 Oct 2023: Sweden’s ruling Moderates fume at Stockholm petrol and diesel ban