Recently, the Italian government announced the postponement of the ban on old diesel cars in the north of the country. This ban, originally planned for September 2023 to reduce air pollution, will now theoretically come into force 1Er October 2024. This decision was made in response to protests by motorists and economic problems.
The Piedmont region, including the city of Turin and more than 70 other cities in northern Italy, was to introduce restrictions on the movement of diesel vehicles that do not meet the Euro 5 pollution standard on weekdays from mid-September. However, this was announced by the Minister of Environment and Energy of Italy, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin this event will be postponedciting the need to avoid a “Socio-economic crisis for families and businesses”.
Italy strongly opposes European rules
The president of the Piedmont region, Alberto Sirio, expressed satisfaction with this decision, blaming the European Union for it. “limited” take unpopular measures. He stressed that the region will continue to focus on protecting the environment and health by removing 700 of the most polluting diesel buses.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has been in power since October 2022, has spoken out in favor of the car industry and oppose measures aimed at limiting polluting emissions. Last May, Italy joined seven other European Union member states, including France and Poland, in opposing the upcoming Euro 7 standard, which will come into force in 2025 and cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles by 35% compared to previous Euro 6 standard.
Finding a difficult balance
Manufacturers already facing the transition to electric mobility are pushing for less restrictive standards for thermal engines, which are to be phased out by 2035. This decision by the Italian government as a whole demonstrates a delicate balance between environmental protection, economic concerns and the interests of the automotive industry.
In France, EPZs face the same problems, as some have already been postponed, while some elected officials highlight the social injustice of these measures, generally penalizing the poorest sections of the population, those who cannot afford housing. .
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.