Skip to Content
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Amster-Damn! European City Leads on Banning Ban Gas-Powered Cars

Amsterdam. Photo: Streetsblog/Rudick

Now here's a city rising to the challenge of the impending crisis: Amsterdam is moving head on a plan to phase out all gas- or diesel-powered vehicles by 2030, according to the Dutch news site Het Parool.

The green changes are starting almost immediately: Beginning next year, the city will ban older diesel vehicles, those from 2005 are earlier, from an "environmental zone," within in the city center.

By 2022 all buses entering the city will need to be electric. Then by 2025, all buses, taxis and delivery trucks that come within the city's A10 ring road will need to be emissions free.

Finally by 2030, the plan is to make the entire city free of (on-site anyway) emissions-producing vehicles, Deputy Mayor Sharon Dijksma announced, adding that the moves will extend the life of the average city resident by three months.

Low-emissions zones are part of a trend picking up speed in Europe and even potentially North America. London last month launched an "Ultra Low Emissions Zone" in the central city. Those vehicles not meeting the city's definition of "ultra low emissions" must pay a steep fine (£12.50 or about $16.30) to enter the area, which incorporates a large portion of central London. Vancouver, B.C., has also advanced a plan to add zero emissions zones in order to meet its climate goals.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog San Francisco

Study: People Protected Bike Lanes Made a Difference

A new study by an NYU researcher shows that a type of protest invented in San Francisco has helped get protected bike lanes constructed in North America and beyond

January 24, 2025

Alameda’s Central Ave Project Depends on Paint and Prayers for Bike Safety

After a decade of advocacy, a bike lane will start construction on Central Avenue on Monday. But most of it will be unprotected

January 24, 2025

Commentary: It Shouldn’t be Possible to Go 100 MPH in a Car

Tesla, other car makers, Newsom, the staff at SFMTA, former mayors and other politicians, collectively owe Luu an answer as to why her boyfriend's death was necessary

January 23, 2025
See all posts