Cities have the right to ban diesel cars

The highest court in Germany has ruled today that large cities have the right to ban diesel cars that contribute significantly to air pollution. This decision could affect the value of 12 million vehicles on the largest car market in Europe and to attract manufacturers to invest in major modification.

The highest federal administrative court issued a decision on appeal by German provinces against the ban introduced by local courts in Stuttgart and Diseldorf. The case originally was initiated by the group for the protection of the environment due to poor air quality. Diesel engines have been hit worldwide since Volkswagen admitted in 2015 that it installed in its models unlawful software that showed lower values of emitted nitrous oxide, which causes respiratory problems during the test.

Several countries are considering introducing a ban on the use of diesel cars in cities, but the adoption of such a decision in the cradle of the modern automotive industry is a blow to this branch and the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has pleaded against the ban.

• 27 Feb, 2018
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