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The Hague City Council approved the expansion of the zero-emission zone towards the coast on Thursday evening. New delivery and freight vehicles entering the area must be less polluting by 2026 and emission-free by 2030.
Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Animal Welfare & Environment): ‘I am pleased that the city council has chosen clean air. By expanding the zero-emission zone towards the coast, we are making a huge step towards improving air quality in the city. This expansion is good news for our health and for nature. The less polluting emissions, the cleaner the air we breathe every day. We are now working hard to ensure smooth implementation.’
Demolition Subsidy
The city council has adopted several proposals to ensure smooth implementation. For instance, the ‘demolition subsidy’, which allows entrepreneurs to receive a subsidy for scrapping polluting delivery vehicles, will be reopened. This subsidy has already removed hundreds of polluting vehicles from the roads.
For entrepreneurs, it is important that there is sufficient charging capacity for electric commercial vehicles. Therefore, the municipality will focus on the rapid rollout of charging stations and closely monitor whether the charging capacity is sufficient for entrepreneurs. ‘We find it important to assist entrepreneurs in the transition to clean transportation. Therefore, we will continue to maintain close consultation regarding the expansion of the zero-emission zone by 2026. This is how we work together for clean air’, said Alderman Barker.
Transition Arrangement
Since January 1, a zero-emission zone has been in effect in the center of The Hague. With the councils decision, this zone will be expanded by 2026. A transitional arrangement applies to existing delivery and freight vehicles. Ultimately, all commercial vehicles must be clean. The Scheveningen harbor is exempt from the zero-emission zone and remains accessible via a corridor. However, a less strict environmental zone will be implemented in the harbor.