The ban on diesel vehicles is introduced simultaneously in the Lombardy and Piedmont regions of north-western Italy, Veneto in north-eastern Italy and Emilia-Romagna.
As of October 1, the listed provinces will be subject to a diesel stop in cities with more than 30,000 inhabitants: traffic restrictions will be every week from Monday to Friday and will apply to diesel and petrol vehicles of the Euro 3 or lower environmental category.
The daily duration of the restriction varies from province to city and from city to city: in Milan, it lasts for half a week and a half a week. Offenders can expect a minimum fine of € 80, and a maximum of € 600 can be exceeded if the same vehicle breaches the ban sequentially.
In the province of Emilia Romagna, tightening is also affecting Euro 4 diesel. The provision is valid until March 31st. In the meantime, even if the smog exceeds the permitted limits despite the measures, further restrictions can be expected even on weekends.
According to the calculations, the restriction of diesel vehicle traffic in the area affects more than 2 million cars and almost 800,000 vans. Euro 4 diesel and Euro 5 diesel cars are also planned to be withdrawn from the region from 2020 onwards.
The Great Plain is one of the most polluted areas in Europe. Polluting vehicles make up a quarter of the vehicle fleet in the area, but they are responsible for 60 percent of air pollution. According to this year's European Environment Agency (Aea), 432,000 people die every year on the continent due to air pollution, of which over 91,000 are in Italy.
