Rome Also Wants to Ban Diesel Cars
Following Germany’s decision to allow cities to implement bans on certain diesel passengers vehicles, Rome may do the same.
The Italian capital, which is one of Europe’s most traffic-clogged cities, would like to rid of diesel cars in the city center by 2024.
The decision was announced on Rome mayor Virginia Raggi’s Facebook page earlier this week, which read, in part, “we have to have the courage to adopt strong measures,” in regards to regulating vehicle emissions.
According to data obtained by Reuters, roughly two-thirds of the 1.8 million new passenger vehicles sold in Italy last year were diesel powered. The publication also points out that Rome has almost no industry, which means the majority of the pollution there is caused by fossil fuel burning vehicles.
SEE ALSO: Germany Gives the Go Ahead to Ban Diesel Cars in City Centers
Rome has already implemented some measures to curb emissions when smog levels are particularly high. On some days, only cars with odd or even number plates are allowed to enter the city, and older, less earth-friendly vehicles are also banned sometimes. The measures are not strictly enforced, however, and Reuters says some families simply buy a cheap used vehicle with an odd or even number plate as a workaround.
In addition to the health issues associated with pollution, Italian officials are keen to keep the city’s multitude of historic monuments in good condition. The sculptures and other landmarks risk deterioration and staining due to exposure to fossil fuel emissions.
[Source: Reuters]
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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