The concentration of pollutants in the air of Milan exceeds the safe limit by nearly fourfold.
In a move to combat pollution in Milan, a bustling Italian city, Mayor Giuseppe Sala has put forth a proposal to prohibit cars from the city center, with plans for similar actions in the future. If approved, this initiative is set to take effect in 2024, and the authorities will employ surveillance cameras for enforcement.
Milan stands out as one of Europe's highly polluted cities.
Milan ranks among the most polluted cities in Europe, primarily as a result of a significant presence of fine particulate matter, a pollutant known to endanger human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) designates a long-term safe limit of no more than 5 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter) for this pollutant. In Milan, however, the concentration is alarmingly high, reaching nearly four times the safe threshold at 19.7 μg/m3.
Milan is planning to implement a ban on cars in its city center.
In an effort to address the hazardous levels of emissions, Milan's officials have suggested a prohibition on private vehicles within the city center. "It's a minor change, yet it carries significant historical significance," remarked Mayor Sala at a recent sustainability promotion event.To ensure compliance with the ban, surveillance cameras will be deployed along Corso Venezia to monitor traffic and restrict access to private cars. Certain exemptions will apply to residents with their own garage, individuals utilizing parking facilities, taxis, and users of public transportation.Those found in violation of this restriction will be subject to a fine, although the exact amount was not specified by the mayor.
This initiative will transform some of Milan's busiest districts into more pedestrian-friendly zones, notably the stylish Fashion Quadrilatero, home to numerous high-end boutiques.
Mayor Sala, speaking at a climate change festival, emphasized the need for pioneering spirit and practicality in decision-making. He stated, "I am not against capitalism, but the spectacle of supercars parading in the city center without parking solutions cannot continue."
The mayor also hinted at the possibility of more similar reforms in the future and mentioned that many of the fashion establishments affected by the ban supported his proposal and even proposed converting the area into a pedestrian zone.
The car ban in Milan has been labeled as 'absurd' by its critics.
Nevertheless, not everyone supports this reform. Alongside the extensive traffic restrictions throughout the city, Roberto Di Stefano, the mayor of the suburban 'commune' Sesto San Giovanni, has criticized Mayor Sala's idea of a Milan where cars would be completely banned from circulating starting in 2024. Di Stefano argued that this measure is "absurd" and places a burden not only on Milan's residents but also on the citizens residing in the outskirts, who rely on daily commuting.
Stockholm has implemented a ban on cars in its city center.
Milan follows a growing trend among European cities in contemplating a car ban. Stockholm, just a few weeks ago, unveiled intentions to prohibit petrol and diesel vehicles from entering its city center, with the aim of lowering emissions and curbing pollution. This regulation is slated to become effective on December 31, 2024.
Similarly, Paris is working towards removing private vehicles from its historic center by the beginning of 2024 in anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games. This move could potentially result in the removal of up to 100,000 cars from the streets of the French capital each day.