Exceptions for new diesel cars, controls only as samples: The grand coalition wants to minimize the consequences of driving bans in cities. One of the most important regulations adopted by the Bundestag in Berlin was that blockages for older diesel engines should generally be regarded as proportionate only in cities where the limits for harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are exceeded significantly.
The federal states should already approve the legislative package this Friday in the Bundesrat. In the future, the coalition wants to hold regular top-level talks with the auto industry to pave the way for the important industry.
The main points of the approved diesel laws:
- Driving bans should "as a rule" be disproportionate if the load with NO2 on average does not exceed 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The EU limit is 40 micrograms and does not change with it - with relatively small excess, it should be achieved by other means, not by blocking out older diesel.
- Where there are driving restrictions, the still fairly new Euro-6 diesel should be exempted as well as retrofitted buses, heavy municipal vehicles such as garbage collection and fire and private waste disposal companies, as well as retrofitted crafts and delivery vehicles.
- Even older diesel, which emit less than 270 milligrams of nitric oxide per kilometer after improving the exhaust gas purification, should not be affected by driving bans.
- To be monitored driving bans on the number plates only on a random basis and with mobile control devices. Secret shots and videos are not allowed, the data must be deleted after two weeks at the latest.
- In addition, it is expressly reiterated that municipalities may allow for further exceptions - especially under existing rules, when "urgent and overriding reasons of public good require it".