By the end of 2018, at least five cities in Germany could test a model approach to combating pollution. The trial will discourage private vehicle use while offering free public transit—a solution currently adopted in only a few places.
Bonn, Essen, Herrenberg, Reutlingen, and Mannheim are the German cities included in the proposal drafted by the federal government. “We are considering making public transport free of charge to reduce the number of private cars,” German ministers stated in a letter sent to the European Commission. “Fighting air pollution effectively without unnecessary delays is of the highest priority for Germany,” the document adds.
According to the British newspaper Independent, German and British ministers were summoned last month to explain to the Commission (the institution that represents the interests of the European Union) why they breached EU rules on toxic air pollution and what they would do to resolve the issue. While Germany rushed to present proposals, the British government has yet to release its plans.
Signed by Angela Merkel's Chief of Staff, Peter Altmaier, German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks, and Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt, the letter also proposes car-sharing schemes, incentives for electric cars, and the creation of low-emission zones—areas or roads where the most polluting vehicles are banned.
Via Ciclo Vivo.
This article was written by CicloVivo. The translation is powered by AI.
