The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is stepping up plans to phase out vehicles using the internal combustion engine. It has announced that diesel and petrol cars will be banned in certain parts of the city centre from the beginning of 2025.

Stockholm's ban will initially focus on a 20-block area centring on the city’s finance and main shopping area. Only electric cars, plug-in hybrid trucks and low emission gas vehicles will be allowed to enter this 180,000 m² large area from 31 December 2024. Emergency vehicles and disabled permit holders will be exempt from the new rule. During the first half of 2025, the city will consult on an expansion of the zone.

The city's initial plans for the petrol and diesel car-free zone had included the Old Town (Gamla Stan), but this plan was replaced by a focus on a pedestrianised ‘urban environmental zone’. As part of the ban, 130 parking spaces will be removed and replaced by walking and cycling infrastructure.

Sweden’s Green Party has proposed an emission-free inner city in Stockholm by 2030. This plan would require the implementation of environmental zones, vehicle control and banning cars in certain areas in order to reduce car traffic volumes by 30% by 2030.

Article published first at euronews on 11 October 2023.

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