Detailed description (English): ‘What lessons learned from Dieselgate? 5 years on’ On-line event, 18th September, 10:30-11:30
What are the implications of new European rules on vehicles in cities for a post-COVID-19 healthy recovery?
EPHA and Eurocities jointly marking the 5th anniversary of Dieselgate 5 years after the Dieselgate scandal was first uncovered, there are important changes and decisions in the European Union designed to prevent similar cheating in the future.
One legacy of Dieselgate is the new rules that fundamentally change the regulatory framework. On 1st September 2020, the new European regulation for the type approval of cars entered into force and introduced more stringent checks. Not only are national authorities now required to check a larger number of cars on the road (one for every 40,000 newly registered cars), but the European Commission will also, for the first time, be able to issue EU-wide recalls or impose fines on carmakers if no appropriate action is taken by Member States. In addition, EU lawmakers are currently reviewing the nitrogen oxide (NOx) limits applicable to Euro 6 cars and vans.
The other legacy of Dieselgate is its dangerous impact on human health. Dirty cars continue to pollute the air of European cities, aggravating the health and climate burden of emissions. Europeans remain on the frontline as they suffer the health consequences of urban transport emissions. And with 51 million grossly-polluting diesel cars and vans currently on Europe’s roads - putting a higher burden on Eastern Europe - not enough has been done.
This year, the COVID-19 health crisis has seen people in cities across Europe remark on cleaner air, and many political barriers were suddenly cleared in an effort to find new ways to encourage people to walk and cycle around our cities. The trend during and after Europe’s various lockdowns has, therefore, been towards healthier, more active mobility. Many cities are responding positively to their citizens’ demands and are leading the healthy and green recovery through innovative solutions to decrease pollution, increase physical activity and re-design the urban environment to have a green economic recovery.
However, given that transport is a key source of pollution in cities, where do we stand? A new regulatory framework is there but the devil dwells in the details: would the European Commission be in the position of cleaning the dirty, polluting fleets? How would those roles be implemented at national level? Will they result in cleaner cars in cities?
With the involvement of EU decision-makers and city officials in charge of transport policies, this on-line discussion will examine the following:
• What are the implications of those new EU rules for cities?
• What measures did cities undertake to address transport pollution?
• How can the EU help cities in their efforts to contribute to a healthy, green recovery?
Partner: EPHA - NGO
Eurocities - NGO