In a statement issued today, marking the International Day of Clean Air, Zero states that road transport is one of the main contributors to air pollution, accounting for 37% of nitrogen oxide emissions. Currently, more than 100 European cities exceed the air quality limits established by the European Union.
“Zero calls on the government and local authorities to accelerate the implementation of concrete measures and establish these types of zones, ensuring that everyone can breathe truly clean and healthy air,” the statement emphasizes.
Air pollution “represents the greatest environmental risk to human health,” contributing to various diseases that, in addition to causing suffering, burden healthcare systems.
Given this context, Zero underlines the “urgent need” for the creation of Zero Emission Zones (ZEZs), which, it notes, “have already proven to be an important solution for improving urban air quality.”
Data cited in the statement indicate that the number of operational ZEZs in Europe grew from 228 in 2019 to 320 in 2022, with a projected increase of 58% by 2025. According to the report, by 2025, nearly three dozen cities plan to expand existing ZEZs, and 35 cities plan to create Zero Emission Zones by 2030.
ZEZs are areas free from the circulation of vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Zero also believes it is necessary to reinforce the implementation of reduced speed limits (known as Zone 30), set at 30 kilometers per hour.