01 February 2023
Krakow, capital of the southern region of Malopolska, is considered the third city with the worst air in the entire European Union. Located in a valley that borders the Tatra Mountains to the south, its situation prevents the air from being renewed as frequently as necessary, so that waste particles float in the sky for longer than usual.
With a population of close to 800,000 and a metropolitan area that, added to neighboring Katowice, reaches three million people, it has announced plans to establish a clean transport zone, to be implemented by mid-2024.
By virtue of this, gasoline cars over 31 years old and diesel cars over 27 will be prohibited from entering the entire city. In 2026 that level will drop and gasoline cars over 25 years old will no longer be able to circulate and diesel cars over 15. There will be exemptions for cars owned by drivers over 70, as well as older emergency service vehicles and historic cars.
The municipality estimates that nitrogen oxide emissions will be cut in half thanks to the area compared to 2019 levels. It is recalled that this pollution emitted by cars can cause respiratory infections and chronic lung diseases.
On the other hand, the capital, Warsaw, has also announced measures against pollution, although in this case not so drastic. This is the implementation of a clean transport zone in the center of the city that will prohibit the circulation of old gasoline and diesel cars as of July 1, 2024. Specifically, it will affect diesel cars of more than 18 years and those of gasoline of more than 27.
According to municipal authorities, 87% of the capital’s residents support measures to reduce air pollution and 76% support the creation of a clean transport zone.