Italian Diesel Car Restrictions Postponed Due to Protests

08 Sep, 2023

Italian Diesel Car Restrictions Postponed Due to Protests

Italy's government has decided to delay the implementation of a plan proposed by one of the nation's most polluted regions. The plan aimed to prohibit the use of old diesel vehicles within towns and cities during working hours, a move that had triggered protests among motorists.

The announcement of this one-year postponement, affecting the northwestern Piedmont region, highlights the conservative approach of the right-wing government when it comes to environmental regulations.

On a broader scale, at the European Union level, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration has been actively opposing the proposed Euro 7 legislation, which seeks to impose stricter controls on car emissions.

Partially driven by the desire to avoid European Union scrutiny over pollution levels, Piedmont had initially intended to impose a daytime ban on diesel vehicles up to the Euro 5 emission standard. This ban was slated to be in effect from September 15 until April 15 of the following year, encompassing all municipalities with more than 10,000 residents.

However, Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin has announced that this measure will now only come into effect on October 1, 2024. Furthermore, it will apply solely to areas with populations exceeding 30,000 inhabitants.

Pichetto Fratin clarified the government's decision, stating, "The government has intervened to prevent a potential social and economic crisis for families and businesses, while also honoring our commitments to the European Union."

According to reports from the Corriere della Sera newspaper, these restrictions would have impacted over 600,000 vehicles, including approximately 140,000 Euro 5 diesel vehicles, as well as older, more environmentally harmful petrol-powered vehicles.

Piedmont, situated in the Po Valley, is known for being one of the most polluted regions in Europe. Its regional government, which comprises the same parties as Meloni's coalition, had been under pressure to take action following a 2020 ruling by the EU Court of Justice, which found Italy in violation of the EU's clean air regulations.

Pichetto Fratin further noted that the government had initiated a review and update of regional anti-pollution plans. During this review period, the planned restrictions on Euro 5 diesel vehicles would be temporarily suspended, aligning with European Union regulations.