In several municipalities, fines will be issued starting next week to vans and trucks that enter a zero-emission zone when they are not allowed to be there. The measure does not apply to passenger cars.
Zero-emission zones have been introduced this year in cities including Amersfoort, Amsterdam, The Hague, Gouda, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht, and Zwolle. This is an area where, from a certain point, only vans and trucks without emissions of harmful substances are allowed to drive.
The zones are intended to improve air quality in cities and reduce CO2 emissions. Vehicles using fossil fuels such as diesel or gasoline have actually been prohibited from entering those zones since January 1st. But until now, no fines have been issued.
That will change from July 1st. Entrepreneurs and private individuals who drive a van or truck into a zero-emission zone risk a fine.
In some cases, it is possible to apply for an exemption. For example, if you only use the vehicle privately and never for business purposes. Or if the vehicle has been modified for at least 500 euros due to a disability.