Espoo proposes Finland’s first zero-emission zones for lorries and vans to reduce climate emissions
Espoo’s climate emissions have decreased significantly over the past ten years, especially in energy production. However, achieving the targets will require additional efforts to reduce transport emissions. As part of updating the climate neutral Espoo roadmap, a gradual introduction of zero-emission zones for lorries and vans will be presented to the City Board and City Council. If implemented, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area’s zero-emission zones would be the first in Finland.
Espoo has already halved its greenhouse gas emissions from the 1990 level, owing particularly to the rapid introduction of clean district heating, but additional measures are necessary to achieve the climate neutrality target, especially in transport. Lorries and vans account for around a third of traffic emissions in the Espoo area, and transport volumes are constantly increasing. In the Uusimaa region, vans with sustainable propulsion methods such as electricity or biogas currently account for 5.4% of the fleet in traffic use, and lorries for 2.3%. Electric lorries represent less than one per cent of the fleet in traffic use in Uusimaa. Accelerating the electrification of lorries and vans therefore offers a clear opportunity to reduce traffic emissions.
Finland’s first zero-emission zones for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area
Espoo and Helsinki are the first cities in Finland to propose the introduction of zero-emission zones for lorries and vans. Zero-emission zone refers to an area where operation is permitted only for vehicles that do not emit exhaust gases during operation. Many European cities are planning to introduce zero-emission zones. The Netherlands, for example, is seeking significant emissions reductions and other benefits related to the attractiveness and air quality of the urban environment. Espoo and Helsinki wish to use this model for the development of transport in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.
‘Zero-emission zones for transport traffic are the clearest and most realistic way to simultaneously accelerate the reduction of emissions and noise in traffic, which has become Espoo’s largest source of emissions. The effect would also be felt in the air we breathe. A decision on zero-emission zones would send a signal to invest in clean vehicles more quickly. We are preparing solutions in cooperation with the cities in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and transport operators. We will take advantage of the lessons Espoo has learned from successful cooperation in the energy sector,’ says Mayor of Espoo Kai Mykkänen.
The proposal for zero-emission zones is part of the mid-term review of the Carbon Neutral Espoo roadmap. The updated Carbon Neutral Espoo roadmap and a proposal for additional measures to reduce emissions will be submitted to the City Board and City Council during the autumn.
The transition to zero-emission zones would be implemented in stages. More detailed implementation methods, the scope of the emissions zones and transitional period issues will be defined later in the preparation. The planning pays attention to both the intended impact on reducing climate emissions and the impacts on business and accessibility.
Learn more:
Mykkänen: ‘The transformation of district heating has been Espoo’s most important climate action